Gaming, now a multi-billion dollar industry, offers entertainment, competition, and social connections to millions worldwide. Yet, as gaming tech advances, many with disabilities face barriers due to limited mobility in standard controllers. They often encounter challenges when playing video games due to the limited mobility of standard PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo controllers. PlayStation‘s parent company, Sony, has addressed this vital issue through the introduction of the PlayStation Access controller in July. With its recent product development story, let’s uncover this innovative gaming accessory deeper.
They Love Playing Video Games Too, but Limited Mobility Disabled Them to Enjoy the Fun
Before delving into the PlayStation Access controller, let’s hear from the individuals it was designed for – also consultants in the controller’s development who’ve experienced the challenges firsthand. Cesar Flores, 30 years old, shared his journey from a sports enthusiast to a wheelchair user after a car accident eight years ago. Video gaming has been a significant part of his life, offering a sense of connection and normalcy. Paul Lane, aged 52, has been playing games for 23 years by using his mouth, cheek, and chin due to finger mobility loss following a car accident. Their stories highlight the importance of inclusive gaming solutions.
The Ideas Behind the Design of the PlayStation Access Controller
To address the gaming industry’s inclusivity challenge, Sony collaborated with Paul Lane to create the PlayStation Access controller. This move aligns with the growing accessible controller market, featuring contributions from Microsoft, startups, and even hobbyists with 3D printing skills.
Paul Lane and his fellow gamers worked alongside Sony from 2018 to co-design the Access controller. Their primary aim was to develop a controller that could be customised to meet a wide range of individual needs, without focusing on any particular disability. Mark Barlet, founder and executive director of the nonprofit AbleGamers, emphasised that disabilities aren’t a one-size-fits-all category: “Show me a person with multiple sclerosis, and I’ll show you a person who can be hard of hearing, who may have a visual impairment or a motor impairment”.
In addition to this, he stressed that labelling disabilities is not the way to go. Instead, the focus should be on creating an experience that bridges the gap between gamers and controllers not designed for their unique requirements. AbleGamers has been advocating for gamers with disabilities for nearly two decades, offering support to both Sony and Microsoft in developing accessible controllers. The advent of social media has given gamers a powerful platform to amplify their message and engage directly with creators, opening up previously unavailable channels of communication.
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Introducing the PlayStation Access Controller
After dedicating ideas and hard work to its development and design, Sony proudly reveals to the public the PlayStation Access controller. The PlayStation Access controller is a round, adaptable device that can be placed on a table or wheelchair tray, offering various configurations to suit the user’s specific requirements. This involves changing buttons and thumbsticks, programming unique controls, and even connecting two controllers to function as a single unit.
Alvin Daniel, a senior technical program manager at PlayStation, articulated that the design of the device was guided by three key principles aimed at maximising its applicability to a wide range of players.
The PlayStation Access controller offers user-friendliness by not requiring the player to hold it, as it can rest flat on a surface or be mounted. Its compatibility with wheelchair trays was a key consideration, ensuring items don’t easily fall off. Durability was also a priority to withstand potential impacts. Additionally, the controller enhances button accessibility with various button cap options and adaptable thumbsticks. This design allows for easier use, catering to individuals with different mobility needs, including older gamers dealing with conditions like arthritis.
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How to Use the Access Controller?
The core concept behind the Access controller is its adaptability. The controller’s design revolves around a central disc capable of accommodating multiple button caps, facilitating gameplay from any orientation due to its 360-degree design. The Access controller offers a variety of button cap options to cater to individual player needs, including:
- Wide flat button cap, covering two button sockets.
- Overhang button cap, positioned closer to the centre for players with smaller hands.
- Curve button cap, allowing pushing or pulling placement on the controller.
- Pillow button cap, offering a softer tactile press.
- Flat button cap, providing a traditional button feel.
All the button sockets are interchangeable, enabling customisation of the controller’s layout to suit the player. The controller can save up to 30 control profiles, including settings for toggleable buttons and stick sensitivity adjustments. The second key component of the Access controller is the stick, which can be length-adjusted from the central disc. There are several stick cap options, including standard, ball, and dome.
The Access controller can be used alongside DualSense controllers or paired with another Access controller, offering maximum flexibility for players. Additionally, it features four 3.5mm AUX ports for connecting extra buttons, specialty trigger switches, and compatible accessories.
It will be available for purchase worldwide starting from December 6th, with a price of $90 in the US.
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Better Gaming Experience for the People with Disabilities
The PlayStation Access Controller is put to the test by its developers and consultants.
Lane, one of the consultants, shares his experience: “I have a unique gaming style that requires using both of my hands comfortably,” he explains. “So, I need to position the controllers far enough apart to prevent them from colliding during gameplay. The ability to adjust the controllers has been fantastic, and the fact that this controller is ready to use straight out of the box is a major advantage”.
After his accident, Lane ceased gaming for seven years, which was a significant void in his life. Gaming had been a part of his life since his early childhood, beginning with the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972. Even with the limitations imposed by a standard game controller, starting to game again felt like a heartwarming reunion with a long-lost friend.
Lane emphasised the transformative social impact of gaming on his life. He explained that gaming profoundly influenced his outlook and helped counteract the social isolation that often accompanies becoming disabled. He noted that when individuals who were once able-bodied face life-altering changes, it can lead to significant social adjustments and even isolation. Lane observed that isolation can become more pronounced as things change, especially when abilities are taken away. However, the opportunity to game at a high level and engage with his passion once again was like a reunion, akin to reconnecting with a close companion after a long separation.
Daniel pointed out the changing age makeup of gamers, where the average age now falls in the forties, emphasising that older gamers, like himself, share a common desire to continue enjoying gaming as a form of entertainment. He expects this trend to persist, highlighting the enduring appeal of gaming for people of all ages.
Additionally, Microsoft expressed its contentment with the positive reception of the Xbox Adaptive controller since its 2018 release and commended the industry’s growing dedication to inclusivity, as more companies adopt accessibility-focused approaches to engage a wider player base.
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Conclusion
The PlayStation Access controller brings heartwarming news to gamers with disabilities, providing them with a tailored tool to continue enjoying their beloved pastime while overcoming their physical limitations. It’s inspiring to see how the gaming technology industry actively evolves, introducing products that cater to diverse preferences and enabling gamers of all backgrounds to take part in the fun. This not only enhances the joy of gaming but also fosters stronger social connections, ensuring that no one feels excluded. With the Access controller’s release in December, it’s sure to make for a fantastic Christmas gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will the PlayStation Access Controller Be Released?
The Access controller is set to be released and available for purchase globally on December 6th, with a price of $90 in the US. The pricing outside the US is $119.99 CAD in Canada, ¥12,980 in Japan, €89.99 in Europe, ¥659 in China and £79.99 in the UK. Although the release is in December, PlayStation has started to accept pre-orders.
What Platforms Can Use the PlayStation Access Controller?
The Access controller appears to be exclusively designed for compatibility with the PlayStation 5. While it’s a significant advancement for accessibility in PlayStation gaming, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as the Xbox’s Adaptive controller, which can be utilised on Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices.
How Does the PlayStation Access Controller Work?
Customisation is at the core of the Access controller’s design. The controller features a central disc that can accommodate various button caps, enabling gameplay from any orientation due to its 360-degree design. With the Access controller, players can choose specific types of button caps that suit their individual needs while retaining traditional controller inputs.