Video games have always been promoters of a considerable democracy of entertainment. No matter your age, ability, nationality, interests or financial means, there is a video game out there for each of us. Today PlayStation takes another step forward by offering a new way to play for disabled players with the Access Controller for PS5 and this is its review.
We are certainly not faced with the first example of an adaptive controller on the market, but what Sony wants to offer is a controller that can truly adapt to any need with simplicity, with intuitive dedicated software and without giving up the design of the controller itself.
But let’s start in order
Our review of the PS5 Acces Controller
The PlayStation 5 Controller Access is a revolutionary tool that allows people with disabilities to fully enjoy the gaming experience offered by the new PS5. The controller was designed with the aim of making gaming accessible to everyone, offering a wide range of functions and features that facilitate interaction with video games.
Added to this is an interface specifically designed to be able to personalize your gaming experience and adapt it to each individual title if necessary.
Design
The design of the Access Controller has been carefully studied to ensure a comfortable grip and intuitive use. The size and shape of the controller have been optimized for adapt to the different needs of users with disabilities, allowing them to use the device without fatigue or effort and ensuring a comfortable gaming experience.
Furthermore, the controller is equipped with large buttons and joysticks, which facilitate access and use by people with motor problems or limitations in finger mobility. The buttons are clearly marked and their layout has been designed to minimize the risk of errors during gameplay. THE buttons, arranged in a wheel, can be customized not only on a software level but also with physical variations with more concave or convex shapes depending on needs. Likewise, the main JoyStick can be customized into three different shapes and lengths. They also add to this four standard 3.5mm expansion ports to which you can connect any compatible input such as levers and pedals, which can also be customized through the dedicated interface.
Last but not least, the controller comes with a pleasant design in line with the colors and curves of the PlayStation 5 and its accessories. It is a unexpected detail in these types of peripherals where the beauty of the object is usually sacrificed for its functionality. Sony managed to keep both.
Inside the package…
…we find:
- Il Controller Access
- A USB Cable
- 8 cushion key caps (applied to controller)
- 4 flat key caps
- 4 curved keycaps
- 4 protruding key caps
- 1 large flat button cap
- Standard toggle cap
- Dome lever cap (applied to controller)
- Ball toggle cap
- 23 labels
- Getting Started Guide and Safety Guide
Our test of the PlayStation 5 Access Controller
This review of the PS5 Access Controller was handled by our friend and colleague Roberta Catania who has reduced sensitivity in all four limbs and who was able to test the potential of the controller on the front line.
Let’s start by saying that the startup and installation of the controller occurs almost automatically. When starting for the first time, simply connect the controller to the console with the supplied USB cable and let the two devices synchronize. The controller will work from then on wireless. The access controller already starts with its own basic configuration which makes it ready for use and the ease with which it can be adapted thanks to the magnetic buttons and the various “analogue sticks” immediately catches the eye. You don’t need excessive force to remove them and we never had any issues during flying button gaming sessions. Proof of rage quit!
Difficulties in hand mobility and finger coordination are overcome by the size and ergonomics of the Access Controller keys. In our case, we had two Access Controllers that we could use with two different hands, which proved to be extremely useful. Another note of merit must be given to the battery. It is not obvious that it is present in these types of controllers and above all that it has a decidedly notable duration as in this case.
From Roberta’s experiences, we read: “I have been a gamer since I was a child, I remember the arrival of the PlayStation 1 at home as a beautiful thing. Over the years, unfortunately, I had had to abandon this passion of mine, both due to various work commitments but also due to the impossibility of finding accessible solutions. For example, technology has led new controllers to be increasingly more efficient but if we think about the size and weight of the first PS controller compared to the DualSense it is easy to imagine how my difficulties have increased. In recent years, thanks to living with my partner, I had re-established my bond with video games much more, limiting myself, however, only to watching him play. With these controllers I “simply” expected to be able to go back to playing and getting excited about video games. Well, I would say that with over 70 hours spent on Baldur’s Gate 3, my expectations were fully met.“
Il Software dell’Access Controller
Once connected, it starts configuration software capable of guiding you through every single configuration step. In this regard, it is possible set up to 30 control profiles and 3 profiles of keys in memory, quickly interchanging them via a physical key on the controller itself.
Through the simple and intuitive software, it is possible to program the keys so that the necessary commands are exactly where they are needed. For example, we can set the pressure of the keys to activate or deactivate commands or to use them with a single press, or disable the keys completely to avoid accidental presses. Likewise, it is possible to set two commands in a single button for an even simpler gaming experience.
PlayStation 5 Controller Access review in brief
The Controller Access is truly an extraordinary product that opens up new gaming opportunities for people with disabilities. Thanks to its ergonomic design, advanced technology and intuitive interface, this controller allows everyone to fully enjoy the gaming experience offered by PlayStation 5.
With Controller Access, the fun and extraordinary emotions that video games can offer are truly within everyone’s reach!
