PS5 : Project Leonardo, a highly customizable accessibility controller kit
The issue of accessibility is not unknown in the world of video games. Today, it seems to be at the heart of console and video game design. Sony and PlayStation are going one step further to make their latest console, the PS5, accessible to players with disabilities so that they can play in good conditions.
Project Leonardo has just been unveiled by Sony and it's a great initiative from the manufacturer. The idea is simple: to build a modelable controller that allows any person with a disability to enjoy the console and its games in the same way as a person without a disability. We present you this beautiful project supported by Sony and PlayStation.
A new PS5 project for players with disabilities
It was via a Tweet from PlayStation that we were able to discover the PlayStation Blog article that introduces us to Project Leonardo: a customisable controller kit.
Introducing Project Leonardo for PS5, a highly customizable accessibility controller kit designed to help players with disabilities play more easily, more comfortably, and for longer periods.
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) January 5, 2023
More info: https://t.co/qqCfpnPJr6 pic.twitter.com/IM0iulP0Fk
PlayStation, with its commitment to making PS5 games accessible to the greatest number of people, has already implemented accessibility options in its flagship games such as God of War Ragnarôk, The Last of Us Part I, and many others. Now, the manufacturer wants to go even further by allowing players to customise the PS5 controller to make it easier for people with disabilities to play.
Source - PlayStation Blog
As well as being able to assemble their controller to their preference, players will also be able to adapt the controller software to allow certain keys to produce specific actions. As a simple example, if to perform combos in a game you needed to press R2 and L2 at the same time, it will be possible to assign the R2 + L2 function to a key.
Finally, it is a flexible and adaptable design that drives Project Leonardo. The controller lies flat and does not need to be held directly in the hand to be used. So it can be placed on a table, a tray, a bed or a chair.
Source - PlayStation Blog
“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. [...] 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. [...] I am excited that the design will be completed through collaboration with players rather than presenting them with a single form factor.” So Morimoto, Designer, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Source - PlayStation Blog
Project Leonardo is currently in development. Sony is working on this project by gathering opinions from many experts. No release date has yet been announced.
To learn more about this great project, you can check out the PlayStation Blog article. (source)
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