Sony enlisted experts to launch a PlayStation 5 controller for gamers with disabilities. Developing such products is a huge undertaking, as the cracking of functions is unique and gaming technology is constantly evolving. new controller “largely structured set” Different buttons, triggers and joysticks allow players to create settings tailored to their specific needs and individual requirements.

Microsoft’s adaptive controller, available on Xbox and PC, has been around since 2018. Now people with disabilities can use Sony PlayStation to enhance their gaming experience. “The goal is that you can open the box and start using it as a PlayStation controller right away.” says Alvin Daniel, senior director of technical programs at Sony Interactive Entertainment. — “There’s no need to buy additional third-party accessories and buttons and connect them all together.”

Daniel explained that Sony is working with accessibility experts from the AbleGamers community in the US to find ways to fix this issue: “We needed an all-inclusive package that was outside the box.” When they invented their own solutions for different players, they inevitably tried to solve three problems: joysticks, the need to press keys or hold the controller. If you are having trouble in these three areas, this controller will help you regardless of your underlying condition.”

Reporter Paul Carter set out to personally test all aspects of the new controller. Confirmed that the device “Explicitly developed with the participation of the disability community”. Carter also noted that although he called out the installation process, the concern for people with disabilities was evident even when unpacking and connecting the controller. “a bit clumsy”.

As a disabled gamer, I’ve been waiting for years for button remapping to become the norm, so I could play games that heavily rely on the trigger buttons on the back of traditional controllers and map them to buttons. these are more accessible to me. But this was always a workaround, not a solution. “This controller brings gaming into a more accessible reality.”– said Carter.

He also highlighted what he believed to be a significant drawback, the lack of a right joystick, which is standard for all modern controllers and is crucial for many types of games. Therefore, it is almost impossible to use the new controller in many games without using a regular PS5 controller at the same time or using two new devices at the same time, which is an expensive solution.

All in all, this and other similar products are a positive step forward. The fact that it exists and has been developed with and for disabled people shows the interest of manufacturers in this category of users. The important thing is that manufacturers continue to develop similar products and implement innovations by listening to the feedback of disabled people. https://www.youtube.com/embed/3KUmHFU51NU

The gaming industry has been under pressure lately to improve conditions for disabled gamers. In the past few years, racing simulator Forza Horizon 5 has added a sign language feature, Last of Us Part II has a mode for blind and deaf players, and Just Dance has an app for players in wheelchairs. But the choice of hardware for people with disabilities is small, and Sony’s new controller will get us a little closer to solving this problem.

“I think, especially if you’re a young person, gaming is such a big part of popular culture that if you can’t participate in the same experiences that your friends or classmates are having, you become socially isolated or left behind.” Alvin Daniel said.. — “We’ve seen what brings joy to players who couldn’t play before.”