Controllers are the tactile connection between the player and the game, and while Sony’s PS5 gamepad has a comfortable and optimized interface for most gamers, it may not be for everyone. Some people may have medical conditions which make it difficult for them to grip a normal DualSense gamepad, so they either miss out on playing PlayStation titles, or buy a more accessible but more expensive third-party controller. The PlayStation team doesn’t want this important part of its audience to feel left out, so at CES 2023, they announced Project Leonardo, a controller kit that prioritizes accessibility.
PlayStation is recently making strides in console and gaming accessibility, as evidenced by the various accessibility features in its menu alone. The PS5 has a screen reader for people who find it hard to see what’s on the menu, for example, and text-to-screen transcriptions of voice chat for individuals who have difficulty hearing. One of its premier titles, God of War Ragnarok, has motor, motion, vision, and hearing accessibility presets. For the recently-announced Project Leonardo, PlayStation aims to expand on its motor accessibility via a controller with directional pads and buttons that are easier to grasp, control, and push.
What Makes PlayStation’s Project Leonardo Accessible
The Project Leonardo controller (also known as the Access controller) has a circular shape surrounded by large buttons, with a directional joystick attached to it. This layout, according to PlayStation and its accessibility partners, may eliminate difficulties associated with holding a controller over long periods. It doesn’t require the player to carry and clasp it like one would when using a standard DualSense. They can settle the controller on a table, their lap, or even a tripod and use the large buttons and joystick to play the game, much like one would on a gaming arcade stick.
Project Leonardo’s buttons and directional inputs are easily swappable. Players can choose between a standard, ball, or dome analog stick cap. They also have different button caps to select from, including flat, pillow, wide flat, overhang, and curved. The wide flat cap covers two sockets, which is great for marking the most important button for one’s game, like the trigger for PlayStation FPS games. Overhang caps are great for players with smaller hands since they are easier to access from the center of the controller. The tags are also swappable, allowing players to fully customize and map out their button layout.
PlayStation’s Project Leonardo Has Extensive Customization Features
Project Leonardo’s customization features don’t stop at swappable analog sticks and buttons. Players can adjust the directional controls to be closer or farther from the main controller. It also comes with four 3.5 mm AUX ports, which players can use to integrate specialty analog sticks, buttons, and switches. This is great for people who have purchased third-party PS5 controllers with accessibility features before.
Apart from hardware customization, players can also personalize their UI settings to suit their needs. The button mapping feature lets people choose their preferred controller orientation and turn specific buttons on or off. They can even assign two different inputs to the same button. Players can create different control profiles, too, which is great for swapping between game genres. Players can also adjust the behavior of any button to work like a toggle, so they don’t have to hold it down for motor-intensive driving games. The analog stick’s sensitivity can also be fine-tuned according to the player’s fine motor control.
Players can connect up to two Project Leonardo controllers and one DualSense controller as one virtual controller. This lets them mix and match their controllers and even play one game with the help of other people. Apart from the Access controller, PlayStation is also working with accessibility groups and game developers to make the gaming experience on the PS5 and beyond more inclusive for everyone.
PlayStation's Project Leonardo is in development.