Sony has lifted the lid on the PS5 Access controller, which was previously named Project Leonardo. Not only did we get the official name for the device, but there are loads of screenshots and product features revealed as well.
According to Sony, the PS5 Access controller is a new, highly-customizable accessibility controller kit which is designed to help many people with disabilities play games more easily and comfortably.
In development with accessibility experts, the Access controller will come packaged with a wide array of swappable button and stick caps, so players can easily create different layouts that suits them best.
Here’s what will come with the controller out of the box:
Analog stick caps (standard, dome and ball stick cap)
Button caps in different shapes and sizes, including:
Pillow button caps
Flat button caps
Wide flat button cap (which covers two button sockets)
Overhang button caps (which benefit players with smaller hands as they are positioned closer to the center)
Curve button caps (which can be pushed if placed along the top or pulled if placed along the bottom of the controller)
Swappable button cap tags for players to easily mark which inputs they map to each button
Sony has also said that the controller can be used on flat surfaces, can orient in 360 degrees or secure the controller an AMPS mount or tripod. The analog stick’s distance from the controller can be adjusted as well.
Just like the DualSense Edge, the Access controller will have its own controller UI on the PS5. Users will then be able to personalize the controller in how they want to use it.
Button mapping & control profiles. On the PS5 console, players can select their preferred orientation for the Access controller, map different inputs to the various buttons, toggle buttons on or off, or even map two different inputs onto the same button. They can also create and store their favorite control profiles for different games or genres (such as “combat” or “driving”).
Controller pairing and analog stick adjustments. Up to two Access controllers and one DualSense (or DualSense Edge) wireless controller can be used together as a single virtual controller, allowing players to mix and match devices or play collaboratively with others. Similar to the DualSense Edge wireless controller, players can also fine-tune the starting position and sensitivity of input. The ability to adjust deadzones (the distance your analog stick moves before it’s recognized in a game) and stick sensitivity is particularly helpful for players to improve their fine motor control during gameplay.
Toggle mode. The Access controller also features a toggle mode, which allows players to adjust the behavior of any button to work like a caps lock key on a keyboard. For example, if you enable toggle mode for the acceleration input in a racing game, the Access controller will accelerate the car without you needing to hold the button down.
Check out the video showcasing the controller and how it can benefit gaming more accessible to everyone.
No price point revealed yet or when it will be released, though Sony states more details about it will be shared in the months ahead.
