In recent years, accessibility has become a very lively debate in the world of video games. The discussions focused particularly on the best way that would allow players with disabilities to play their favorite video games. In this sense, Sony took advantage of CES to unveil its new controller designed for gamers with disabilities. For the moment called “Project Leonardo”, this accessory designed for the PlayStation 5 was created in collaboration with accessibility specialists, gamers and game developers.
Project Leonardo: what is it?
Developed by Sony, Project Leonardo is the code name of the controller kit intended for its latest console, the PlayStation 5. This controller kit is ultra-customizable and will allow players with disabilities to play more easily and more comfortably to their favorite games.
In addition to being adjustable at will, all the elements of this controller for PlayStation 5 are interchangeable. This kit consists of several varieties of buttons with different shapes and sizes as well as analog joystick caps. Depending on their needs, each user can adjust the different buttons on the controller to create various commands and configurations.
Like a classic PlayStation controller, Project Leonardo is made up of multiple components such as:
- The X key;
- The round key;
- The square key;
- The triangle key;
- The R1 and R2 key;
- The L1 and L2 key.
In addition, the L3 and R3 keys are also located alongside the other keys except that they will not be presented in the form of a joystick. This next controller also has a new profile key. The distance between the gamepad and the main analog joystick is adjustable.
To put it simply, Project Leonardo was created to simplify the lives of players, regardless of their strength, motor capacity or physical need.
What customizations are possible with the Project Leonardo controller kit?
For its new controller, Sony has thought of everything. In effect, Project Leonardo allows every player who plays on the PlayStation 5 to have a large number of possibilities to personalize their gaming experience.
At the level of the functions of the keys
According to Sony’s announcement, the keys on its new PS5 controller can be configured to perform an initially unsupported function. Unlike conventional controllers, the different keys on this new Sony project can be programmed to perform the same function. However, each user can also assign two functions to the same key. For example, the R2 and L2 keys can be configured to have the same purpose.
At the command level
To push accessibility even further, this new controller for PS5 will allow players to store their key configurations. To do this, they can program them in the form of command profiles. Depending on his needs during the game, the user can then easily change profiles by pressing the profile key.
Otherwise, players can save up to three command profiles on their PS5 and they can access it at any time.
What are the assets of the Leonardo Project?
Given that Sony’s goal with this next controller for PlayStation 5 is to help game enthusiasts with disabilities, Project Leonardo has many advantages.
A possibility of association with other peripherals and accessories
The first asset of this next Sony project is undoubtedly its ability to be associated with other peripherals.. It can for example be associated with a DualSense endless controller, but also with another Leonardo controller.
If the players wish, a friend or other family member can help them take control of their character with a DualSense wireless controller or another Leonardo controller. In addition, the controllers can also be turned off or on dynamically or can be used in any desired combination.
An option to integrate special keys into the controller
Sony’s Project Leonardo controller can also be expanded via four 3.5mm AUX ports. This allows it to support multiple external switches as well as third-party accessibility accessories.
Thereby, players can add special keys, joysticks, switches to the Project Leonardo controller. Again, each of the external accessories can be disconnected or connected dynamically.
A simple and practical handling
One of the strengths of this new controller for Sony’s PlayStation 5 is its design. In effect, Project Leonardo’s design allows all users to put it anywhere. In addition, this new controller can be fixed on a tripod and rotated 360° or an AMPS support.
For the moment, we do not yet know the expected release date for Project Leonardo knowing that it is still under development. However, there is no doubt that this next product from Sony will change the lives of many gaming enthusiasts around the world.