It was first announced at the CES 2023, and now Sony have revealed the release date and price for the upcoming "Access Controller". This looks like a groundbreaking new controller for gamers with disabilities!
After five years of development, Sony have officially announced the release date, pre-order time and the price for its upcoming PlayStation 5 Access Controller. A controller for gamers with disabilities, who can now enjoy their favorite games to the fullest.
It will officially launch on December 6 and will cost $89.99. Depending on the retailers, the price may vary from time to time. You'll always have the option of pre-ordering the controller beforehand, and you can do it sooner than expected.
Accessibility In The Gaming Industry Is Underway
The gaming industry has been putting in a lot of effort and thought to include gamers with disabilities. They're making progress in the right direction by increasing their efforts to accommodate their needs. While game developer include features helping people with color blindness, epilepsy or other visual or perceptual challenges, the hardware itself was also a barrier.
This led to the development of multiple tools and controller, like the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation 5 Access Controller and the SubPac M2X for deaf gamers (this wearable vest translates game audios into tactile thumps and vibrations).
The Features From The PlayStation 5 Access Controller
The new Access Controller comes with a joystick and a circular keypad, giving you the option of swapping those buttons. Granting you a wide range of configurations if needed. But it also includes the following features:
- Each kit contains 19 button caps with different form and size
- With another 23 removable tags, you can mark your buttons correctly
- Multiple function can be mapped onto the same button
- PlayStation 5 Access Controller can store up to 30 different control profiles
- The joystick is customizable between three different sticks as well
- It features four 3.5 mm AUX ports – allowing the customization from third-party accessories seller
- You can synch up to two additional Access Controller and even a PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller into a single system
- The round shape lets you operate it from any 360° orientation
Sony announced the pre-orders go live at 10 am local time on July 21 in U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Austria and Portugal. Other regions can pre-order as well but there hasn't been an official announcement yet.