PlayStation Unveils Project Leonardo, A Highly Customizable Accessibility Controller Kit for the PS5

PlayStation Project Leonardo

PlayStation has officially unveiled Project Leonardo which is a highly customizable accessibility controller kit for the PS5 console. After integrating tons of accessibility features into their games, PlayStation is now working to bring accessibility to players via hardware as well and Project Leonardo is the first of its kind. The announcement was made by Sony during CES 2023, and details were later shared on the official PlayStation Blog. You can check out the first introductory trailer for Project Leonardo below:

Introducing Project Leonardo for PlayStation 5: Perspectives from Accessibility Experts | PS5

While the trailer does not show the controller in action, different accessibility consultants featured in the trailer explain how the controller will work. Some of the notable organizations that are working with PlayStation to design the new Project Leonardo include AbleGamers, SpecialEffect, and Stack Up. The controller design works in tandem with many third-party controllers, and accessibility accessories and integrates with the PS5 console to open up new ways of gaming for everyone.

Project Leonardo is being developed for players with common challenges such as limited motor control, including difficulty holding a controller for long periods, accurately pressing small clusters of buttons or triggers, or positioning thumbs and fingers optimally on a standard controller layout. One of the key features of Project Leonardo is hardware customization because it is a canvas for PS5 gamers to craft their own gaming experience. It includes a robust kit of swappable components, including a variety of analog stick caps and buttons in different shapes and sizes.

These components can be crafted into a wide array of controller layouts and the distance of the analog stick can also be adjusted to suit the player’s needs. With the help of these modular components, players will be able to find a configuration that allows them to game according to their own strength, range of motion, and particular physical needs. The PS5 console will give players different options to tailor their Project Leonardo experience as well such as Button Mapping and Control Profiles.

Project Leonardo

PlayStation also detailed that Project Leonardo can be used as a standalone controller or paired with additional Project Leonardo or even DualSense wireless controllers. To create a single virtual controller, up to two Project Leonardo controllers and one DualSense wireless controller can be used together. Any one of these controllers can be dynamically turned on or off and used in any combination according to the game and scenario. The controller also comes with four 3.5mm AUX ports which support a variety of external switches and third-party accessibility accessories.

This will allow players to integrate specialty switches, buttons, or even analog sticks with the Project Leonardo controller. The external accessories can also be dynamically connected and disconnected with Project Leonardo just like the controllers. Each of them can also be configured to act like any other button as well. Featuring a flexible, split, symmetric, and adaptable design, players can reposition the analog sticks as close together as possible. The controller comes with its own base, and it lies flat on any surface, so it does not need to be held up with hands. If necessary, the controller can be secured with AMPS mounts or tripods as well and it can be oriented 360 degrees for comfortable use.

Sony Interactive Entertainment designer So Morimoto details the controller design approach:

Project Leonardo is part of the PS5 product family and is based on the same design concept. We were inspired by the idea of all players enjoying the world of PlayStation together. Our team tested over a dozen designs with accessibility experts, looking for approaches that would help address key challenges to effective controller use. We finally settled on a ‘split controller’ design that allows near free-form left/right thumbstick repositionability, can be used without needing to be held, and features very flexible button and stick cap swapping.

Because players can customize Project Leonardo according to their needs, there is no one ‘right’ form factor. We want to empower them to create their own configurations. The controller can also flexibly accept combinations of accessibility accessories to create a unique aesthetic. I am excited that the design will be completed through collaboration with players rather than presenting them with a single form factor.

PlayStation has not shared additional details about Project Leonardo at this point and the controller is currently in development as well. Additional details about the project such as its price and release date will be announced at a later date.

What are your thoughts on the announcement of Project Leonardo by PlayStation? Let us know in the comments section below.

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About the Author: Umair Khalid

Founder of GamesHedge, Umair enjoys a wide variety of video games ranging from RPGs to racing games. Currently busy with The Crew Motorfest and Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance.

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