Since a few years ago, Sony has embraced accessibility features in its games, but when it comes to access hardware, it has fallen behind longtime rival Microsoft. With Project Leonardo, a revolutionary gaming controller designed to be adaptable to the demands of any person, they hope to change that. Sony has disclosed that it is developing an accessibility controller for the PlayStation 5 in order to enhance the gaming experience for those with impairments. Sony is updating PS5 and has code-named the controller Project Leonardo which promises to provide video gamers with more hardware customization options. Since Microsoft released its Adaptive Controller in 2018 and 2021, it has been ahead of Sony in this regard. With the Accessibility Controller, Sony now hopes to increase the accessibility of gaming on its platform for a wide range of consumers.
Together with AbleGamers and SpecialEffect, two organizations that support the inclusion of accessibility hardware and software features in video games, Sony has created the Accessibility Controller. According to Sony, the accessibility controller will have a wide range of configuration options and be compatible with various third-party accessibility equipment. It may be coupled with the DualSense controller or used independently, which is beneficial from a flexibility standpoint.
The circular gamepad’s buttons and joystick on Sony’s accessibility controller may be moved around. Additionally, according to Sony, its accessories will come in a variety of sizes and forms, allowing gamers to choose one that best suits their demands and physical capabilities. The four 3.5mm aux jacks on the Controller allow you to attach a variety of accessibility accessories. On Sony’s accessibility controller, the joystick and buttons on the circular gamepad can be repositioned. Sony also claims that its attachments would be available in a range of shapes and sizes, allowing users to select the one that best meets their needs and physical limitations. The Controller has four 3.5mm aux connectors that can be used to connect different accessibility devices. Sony’s PS5 is sure to be a great hit with Project Leonardo.
“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.” – So Morimoto, Designer, Sony Interactive Entertainment
It has not yet been decided when the product will be released, and Sony says it is still in the development stage.
