PS5 console with two DualSense controllers and the Access controller on a white background with floating diamond shapes
  • SIE Communications

About 20% of gamers experience some form of disability, which can impact their interaction with digital environments. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) aims to create accessible gaming experiences for all players. When PlayStation 5 debuted in 2020, it featured 11 customizable system-level accessibility features, including voice dictation, screen reader, button assignments, closed captioning, and color correction, allowing players to tailor their gaming experience to their individual needs. 

Since then, we have continued to develop and expand accessibility features, and the range of features, products, and services available to gamers.

Expanding Accessibility

  • April 2021: Zoom functionality added.
  • September 2021: Enhancements to the Screen Reader, including Pause & Repeat functionality and an accessibility shortcut in the Control Center.
  • April 2022: Extension of Screen Reader support to 15 languages, along with the introduction of Mono Audio support.
  • April 2023: Accessibility Tags were introduced in the PlayStation Store to help players identify accessible games.
  • September 2023: Implementation of System UI Haptic Feedback and the Second Controller for Assistance.
  • December 2023: The launch of Access controller, a highly customizable and adaptive controller kit for PS5 designed for players with disabilities. 
  • April 2025: Added the audio focus feature, a setting that supports broader accessibility and enhances headphone audio to individual preferences by amplifying soft sounds, adjusting frequencies, and optimizing audio quality and audio personalization.

These advancements have improved PS5’s accessibility, making gaming more accessible for individuals with visual, auditory, and physical disabilities. Notably, the System UI Haptic Feedback feature enhances the immersive experience of PS5 navigation by providing tactile feedback to aid players with visual or auditory impairments. The Second Controller for Assistance feature allows a secondary player to help with navigation and gameplay, fostering collaborative experiences for those needing assistance. 

The latest audio focus feature is made for all users to meet individual hearing preferences by adding the ability to boost low-pitch sounds like roaring engines and rumbling noises, or high-pitch sounds like footsteps and metallic noises. It can also amplify voice chats and character voices, as well as quiet sounds, across a wide range of frequencies. 

White text on dark background. PS5 system UI screen showing the Accessibility settings. Use Second Controller for Assistance feature is selected.

Empowered Play with Access Controller

December 6, 2024, marked the first anniversary of the release of the Access controller, a highly customizable and adaptive controller kit for the PS5 designed to make gaming more accessible. Developed in close collaboration with a number of experts and accessibility organizations, the Access controller features an expansive array of hardware and software customization options. These options enable gamers with disabilities to create personalized control configurations, with a range of swappable button and stick configurations, for longer and more comfortable gaming sessions. This unique and innovative design,  playable out of the box, resulted in SIE gaining 25+ awards for the Access controller.

More Accessible Gaming Experiences with PlayStation Studios

The title 'Increasing Number of Accessibility Features as Franchises Grow' in black text on white background with PlayStation shapes (square, circle, cross, triangle). Images of games along with the year they were released, and the number of accessibility features they launched with are shown.

For nearly a decade, PlayStation Studios has released AAA titles with innovative accessibility features. Our PlayStation Studios Accessibility and Inclusion group provides dedicated support for our studio teams in terms of developing accessibility with each new game and/or iteration. This has led to a significant increase in the number of accessibility features available at game launches and promotes continual accessibility improvements as games are updated post-launch.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 includes over 80 accessibility features, such as gameplay features that help with combat and traversal, which aim to reduce button inputs or provide more time to react to many in‑game scenarios. In addition,  audio frequency controls allow players to disable uncomfortable sounds. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also features a playable Deaf character, with American Sign Language interpreting and simulated hearing loss. The game was recognized with the Best Representation award at the 2023 GAConf Awards for representation of disabled characters.

In 2023, we launched Accessibility Tags on PlayStation Store for PS5, which allow game developers to provide detailed insight on accessibility features supported in their games. The features range from visual and audio accessibility settings to DualSense controller options, difficulty settings, and online communication features like chat transcription. Today, over 700 games in the PlayStation Store have Accessibility Tags, which is a frequently requested feature from gamers with disabilities.

SIE wants to ensure all players have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the full range of gaming experiences available on PlayStation. By continuing to develop and improve accessibility features, we hope to build a PlayStation community where everyone feels welcome to play. 

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