At PlayStation, we place a high value on accessibility and strive to make gaming accessible to all players. We are dedicated to continuously improving our accessibility options, both in the games developed by PlayStation Studios such as God of War Ragnarök and The Last of Us Part I, and in the user interface of our PS4 and PS5 consoles. Our goal is to remove any obstacles that may prevent players from fully enjoying their gaming experience.
At this year’s CES, we unveiled Project Leonardo for PlayStation 5, a new controller kit that aims to make gaming more accessible to players with disabilities. Created with input from accessibility experts, community members, and game developers, Project Leonardo is a customizable controller that is designed to allow players with disabilities to easily, comfortably, and enjoyably play games for longer periods of time. This controller is ready to use straight out of the box and will be a valuable addition to our efforts to eliminate barriers to gaming for all players.
We have worked closely with accessibility experts and organizations such as AbleGamers, SpecialEffect, and Stack Up to design a highly customizable controller that can be used with many third-party accessibility accessories and seamlessly integrates with the PS5 console. This controller is specifically designed to address common challenges faced by players with limited motor control, such as difficulty holding a controller for extended periods of time, accurately pressing small buttons or triggers, or positioning their thumbs and fingers optimally on a standard controller. Through these efforts, we hope to create new possibilities for gaming for players with disabilities.
Here are some of the key features
Project Leonardo for PS5 is designed to allow players to customize their gaming experience. It comes with a comprehensive kit of interchangeable components, including various analog stick caps and buttons in various shapes and sizes. This allows gamers to tailor the controller to their individual needs and preferences.
The swappable components included in Project Leonardo for PS5 allow players to create a wide range of control layouts. The distance of the analog sticks from the controller can also be adjusted to the player’s preference. These features allow players to find a configuration that works for their strength, range of motion, and specific physical needs. This level of customization ensures that players are able to find a comfortable and effective way to control their games.
Software customizations. On the PS5 console players have an array of options to tailor their Project Leonardo play experience:
Button mapping
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.
Control profiles
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.
Works collaboratively with other devices and accessibility accessories
Project Leonardo can be used as a standalone controller or in combination with other Project Leonardo or DualSense wireless controllers. Up to two Project Leonardo controllers and one DualSense wireless controller can be combined as a single virtual controller. This allows players to mix and match devices to fit their specific gameplay needs or to play with others in a collaborative manner. This versatility provides players with even more options for customizing their gaming experience.
As an example, players can use a Project Leonardo controller to augment their DualSense controller, or they can use two Project Leonardo controllers on their own. A friend or family member can also help control the player’s game character using a DualSense controller or a second Project Leonardo controller. These controllers can be dynamically turned on or off and used in any combination, providing players with even more flexibility in how they play.
Project Leonardo is expandable through four 3.5mm AUX ports, which allow users to connect external switches and third-party accessibility accessories. This enables players to integrate specialized switches, buttons, or analog sticks with the Project Leonardo controller. The external accessories can be dynamically connected or disconnected and can be configured to behave like any other button, providing players with even more options for customization.
Flexible, adaptable design
Project Leonardo’s split, symmetrical design allows players to position the analog sticks as close together or as far apart as they prefer. The controller can be placed flat on a surface and does not need to be held, making it suitable for use on a tabletop or wheelchair tray. It can also be easily secured to AMPS mounts* or tripods and can be oriented 360 degrees for optimal comfort. Players can program the “north” orientation on the analog sticks to match their preferred controller orientation, providing even more customization options.
Sony Interactive Entertainment designer So Morimoto shares his comments
“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.”
Project Leonardo is still in development and we are actively gathering feedback from the community. We would like to express our gratitude to the many organizations and accessibility experts who are supporting us in this effort. Their insights and experiences have been invaluable in helping us create a controller that meets the needs of players with disabilities. We look forward to continuing to work with them as we develop Project Leonardo further.
We are grateful to all members of the community who have advocated for greater accessibility in gaming. Your passion and dedication to this cause inspire us every day. It is an honor for us to create products that better serve your needs. We are excited to share more information with you in the future, including additional product features and launch timing for Project Leonardo. Thank you for your continued support.
