Sony officially reveals the release date and price for itsPlayStation 5 Access Controller. This unique and customizable design will be a big help to gamers with disabilities, andPlayStation 5users will have the option to pre-order it very soon.
Accessibility can be a significant barrier to entry for those interested in gaming, and there has been an increased effort to be more accommodating of gamers with disabilities. Game developers often include features to help gamers with epilepsy, color blindness, light sensitivity, and other visual or perceptual challenges. However, accommodation for physical issues is primarily a matter of hardware design. This has led to the development of tools like theXbox Adaptive Controllerand the upcoming PS5 Access Controller.
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After five years of development,Sony’s PlayStation 5 Access Controllerwill officially launch on December 6th. The controller will have an MSRP of $89.99 USD or its local equivalent, though actual prices may vary depending on the retailer. Customers who want to ensure they get theirs on launch also have the option to pre-order the PS5 Access Controller beginning Friday, July 21st.
The new PlayStation 5 controller, which consists of a joystick and a circular keypad, allows users to swap buttons to create a wide range of configurations. In addition to the base, each kit contains nineteen button caps of varying shapes and sizes and 23 removable tags that players can use to mark which input maps to which command. Users can even map multiple functions to the same button if they choose, and the PS5 Access Controller can store up to 30 different control profiles. The joystick is also customizable, letting players adjust its position and choose between three different stick caps.
The PS5 Access Controller also features four 3.5mm AUX ports, allowing users to customize it with third-party sticks and accessories sold separately. Users can even pair it with other PlayStation 5 controllers. Specifically, users can sync up to two PS5 Access Controllers and onePS5 DualSense wireless controllerinto a single system. The Access Controller is also designed so players can use it on a flat surface or a standard AMPS patterned mount. Meanwhile, the controller’s round shape allows users to operate it from any 360° orientation.
Pre-orders go live at 10 am local time on July 21st in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Portugal. Pre-orders are available from direct.playstation.com or from select retailers. Customers in other regions can pre-order it the same day, but Sony hasn’t announced the official times.
