In commemoration of Disability Pride Month, which celebrates the achievements and rights of individuals with disabilities, PlayStation has announced that its highly anticipated accessibility controller, known as the Access controller, will be available for pre-order starting on July 21st. The controller is scheduled to be officially released in South Africa on December 6th, marking a significant leap forward in gaming accessibility within the country.

Previously referred to as Project Leonardo during its development phase, the Access controller represents PlayStation’s inaugural dedicated hardware commitment to enhancing accessibility in gaming. With its impressive customization options, the Access controller aims to cater to the diverse needs of players, enabling them to tailor their gaming experience to suit their specific requirements.

According to a recent announcement on Sony’s official blog, the Access controller boasts an array of features that promote inclusivity. “You can map buttons to create up to 30 control profiles, adjust stick settings, toggle commands on/off, or disable buttons altogether to prevent accidental pressing.” This level of customization empowers players with disabilities to enjoy games in a manner that accommodates their abilities and preferences, fostering inclusivity within the South African gaming community.

PlayStation is not alone in recognizing the importance of accessibility within the gaming industry. Xbox has its own accessibility controller, while Nintendo offers the officially licensed Hori Flex, reflecting the collective effort of the industry to make gaming more inclusive and accessible for all.

The Access controller can be paired with another Access controller, a PS5 controller, or up to four additional third-party accessibility accessories, providing users with various options to customize their gaming setup. The suggested retail price for the Access controller in South Africa is R1,709.81, offering a competitively priced solution for enhanced accessibility in gaming.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the impending launch of the PlayStation Access controller represents a significant stride toward creating a more inclusive gaming environment in South Africa. By acknowledging the unique needs of players with disabilities and offering dedicated hardware solutions, PlayStation is setting a commendable precedent for the industry. With the release of the Access controller, gamers of all abilities will be able to fully immerse themselves in the world of PlayStation, underscoring the fact that gaming truly knows no boundaries.

Pre-orders for the PlayStation Access controller will open on July 21st, allowing South African gamers to secure their device ahead of the official launch on December 6th. With its customizable features and commitment to accessibility, the Access controller promises to empower players, foster inclusivity, and revolutionize the gaming experience for individuals with disabilities in South Africa.