In recent years, the topic of inclusion has also gained in importance in the gaming sector. On the software side, Sony was able to help The Last of Us Part II also win a Game Award for the innovative accessibility options – and with the Access Controller has announced a special controller for video gamers with physical disabilities. The Access Controller has now been presented in detail by Sony and can also be pre-ordered from July 21st. The price is 90 euros, global availability should be from December 6th.
With the Access Controller, Sony is pursuing a similar, but not identical, concept to Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller. It is the same that both controllers also support the connection of further control units. As with the Xbox counterpart, up to four additional input devices can be connected via 3.5 mm jacks. For example, the use of a pedal as a substitute for a trigger is conceivable.
The Access Controller itself is round, with the buttons and keycaps being interchangeable. In this way, the best accessibility should be achieved. Like a satellite, a joystick is arranged on the main part of the controller. The distance between the main part of the controller and the joystick is configurable within limits.
The entire system should be able to be mounted on various flat surfaces and, for example, a wheelchair table. Up to two access controllers can be used – and one more DualSense or DualSense Edge controller. Up to 30 different control profiles can be defined, and according to Sony, the configuration options are extremely extensive.
I’ve been a journalist for over ten years, most of it in the field of technology. I worked for Tom’s Hardware and ComputerBase, among others, and since 2017 I’ve also worked for Notebookcheck. My current focus is in particular on mini PCs and single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi – i.e. compact systems with many possibilities. In addition, there is a soft spot for all kinds of wearables and especially for smartwatches. I work full-time as a laboratory engineer, which is why I’m not far from scientific contexts or the interpretation of complex measurements.