PlayStation Announces Specialized Accessibility Controller Kit

During Sony’s CES presentation last night, PlayStation had a few things to share. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan took to the stage to talk PlayStation 5, PS VR2, and “Project Leonardo.”

Project Leonardo is a new accessibility controller kit that has been developed in coordination with Able Gamers, Special Effect, Stack Up, and more. Further details were shared via the PlayStation Blog.

• Project Leonardo for PS5 is a canvas for gamers to craft their own play experience. It includes a robust kit of swappable components, including a variety of analog stick caps and buttons in different shapes and sizes.
• The controller’s buttons can be programmed to any supported function and multiple buttons can be mapped to the same function. Conversely, players can map two functions (like “R2” + “L2”) onto the same button.
• Players can store their programmed button settings as control profiles and easily switch between them by pressing the profile button.
• Up to three control profiles can be stored and accessed by the player from their PS5 console at any time.

Project Leonardo can be used as a standalone controller or paired with additional Project Leonardo or DualSense wireless controllers. Up to two Project Leonardo controllers and one DualSense wireless controller can be used together as a single virtual controller, allowing players to mix and match devices to fit their particular gameplay needs, or to play collaboratively with others.

Designer So Morimoto offered a statement on Project Leonardo’s industrial design:

“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 is currently working with users throughout the industry to gather additional feedback and they will share pricing and launch plans at a later date. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more information becomes available!