With the inclusive controller “Access”, Sony wants to make the PlayStation 5 more accessible for gamers with disabilities. Now comes the next step: the operating system is to follow suit
Announced as “Project Leonardo”, the inclusive controller from Sony is now known as “Access”. The pad is intended to open up the world of the PlayStation 5 to gamers with limitations. Part of the inclusion measure: the possibility to use several controllers in parallel. A step that requires an update of the PlayStation system software – which Sony presented on Monday in the PlayStation Blog. There, the Japanese company announced the latest beta of the PlayStation software, which appeared on Monday for selected testers and should be available to all players later this year.
“Access” integration on the way
In terms of accessibility, there are two innovations. First of all, there is the possibility to use several controllers at the same time, which has already been hinted at. This option is intended to give limited players the most flexible approach possible. Up to two “access” pads and a regular dual sense can be combined to offer the best possible command input according to the needs.
Haptic feedback for inclusion
In addition, haptic feedback can be used in the console menu in the future. If users use a Sony controller, sound effects will be played for certain events. For example, when you reach the end of a scrollable section, check or uncheck a box, receive a notification or start a game. This option, Sony says, is “particularly useful for players with some visual or hearing impairment who will appreciate the additional feedback on their input. “
Speaking of scrollable sections: The long scrolling in the game library to find the right game should be a thing of the past. A search function provides a remedy. In addition, there are more detailed game help cards that show even more activities in the title. In addition, new functions are to be presented in future in the console menu in the form of useful tips.
AAA and audio fans take note
Meanwhile, audiophile gamers will probably be interested in the upcoming support for 3D Audio and Dolby Atmos. The acoustic upgrade aims at higher immersion. However, this requires appropriate technology in the form of a TV, soundbar or similar. The software that brings 3D audio to life on the PlayStation is supposed to deliver sound experiences “specially tailored” to the Dolby Atmos speaker equipment used.
Meanwhile, updates to the social features promise a smoother gaming experience. Party invitations are simplified and can also be sent to groups. Meanwhile, a preview allows you to make sure that the screen share really shows the desired image.
Last but not least, all fans of large AAA games can rejoice. Because Sony has announced support for M.2 SSDs that have a larger memory than the previous maximum of two terabytes. Up to eight terabytes will be possible in the future. However, the choice of hard disks is still limited. You can find out here which conditions the expandable memory must fulfil.