PlayStation introduces PS5 accessibility controller kit, Project Leonardo

Sony presents its specialized controller at CES 2023 in Las Vegas to promote accessibility for gamers with disabilities.

Sony takes a new giant step forward in accessibility issues. Project Leonardo is one of the highlights of their CES 2023 conference, a controller whose sole reason is to remove any barriers to playing PS5.

According to Sony’s presentation at the conference, the main feature of this new tool is that it is a “highly customizable” control that will facilitate access to the game for users with disabilities.

Project Leonardo

The controller is highly configurable, with “a robust kit of buttons,” according to Jim Ryan, CEO of the company.

Project Leonardo will feature interchangeable components, such as buttons and joystick caps, in various shapes and sizes.

In this way, gamers can create their controller tailored to their needs. According to Sony:

“These components allow gamers to find a configuration that works for their particular strength, range of motion, and physical needs.”

Separately, on the official PlayStation blog is the following description of Project Leonardo:

“Through conversations with accessibility experts and incredible organizations like AbleGamers, SpecialEffect and Stack Up, we’ve designed a highly configurable controller that works in tandem with many third-party accessories and integrates with the PS5 console to open up new ways to play.”

Operation of Project Leonardo

The essence of these new controllers for the PlayStation is a fully modular device, allowing all the buttons to be positioned according to what the player and the video game require. This is best appreciated by viewing all its components separately.

Project Leonardo will have different sticks and buttons that you can interchange in different shapes and sizes. You will also be able to program any action executed with additional buttons and vice versa, i.e., assign two functions to the same button.

PlayStation’s post mentions that:

“Project Leonardo is expandable with four 3.5mm AUX ports to support a variety of external switches and third-party accessories. This allows gamers to integrate buttons or analog sticks with the controller.”

Project Leonardo’s release date

Project Leonardo is still developing, and an exact release date is unknown. Sony also states that the design is not final, as it ” values feedback from the community.” The development of the device is in progress.

Sony said:

“We look forward to sharing more in the future, including additional product features and release schedule,” they closed.

Sony and its commitment to accessibility

Sony notes that the controller will be used standalone or in conjunction with other DualSense or Project Leonardo wireless devices. Depending on their needs, gamers can combine up to two Project Leonardo controllers and one DualSense.

In this way, there is no need to configure the controller every time the game changes its gameplay or if we want to jump from one title to another on a whim.

Header: Sony