Accessibility is an important topic for PlayStation and we want to continue raising the bar so that every gamer can experience the joy of playing. Whether it’s robust accessibility options for PlayStation Studios games such as Santa Monica Studio’s God of War Ragnarök and Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part I, or extensive features in the PS4 and PS5 console UI, we’re reducing the hurdles. I am passionate about it. Play for all gamers.
At CES today, we announced our next steps in making gaming more accessible. Project Leonardo for PlayStation 5. Developed with key contributions from accessibility experts, his community members and game developers, Project Leonardo is the codename for a new highly customizable controller. A kit that works “out of the box” to help many players with disabilities play games easier, more comfortably and for longer.
Through conversations with accessibility experts and great organizations such as Able Gamers, Special effects When pile up, designed a highly configurable controller that works in tandem with many third-party accessibility accessories and integrates with the PS5 console to open up new ways to game. Common problems faced by many players with limited motor control, such as holding a controller for long periods of time, accurately pressing small clusters of buttons or triggers, or optimal thumb and finger placement on a standard controller. built to meet your challenges.
Here are some of the key features:
Highly customizable play experience
Hardware customization. Project Leonardo on PS5 is a canvas for gamers to create their own play experiences. It includes a robust kit of swappable components, including various analog stick caps and buttons in different shapes and sizes.
Players can use these components to create different control layouts. Also, the distance of the analog sticks from the gamepad can be adjusted to suit the player’s preference. These components allow players to find a configuration that suits their strength, range of motion, and specific physical needs.
Software customization. On the PS5 console, players have a range of options to customize their Project Leonardo playing experience.
- button mapping
- The controller buttons can be programmed to any supported function and multiple buttons can be mapped to the same function. Conversely, the player can assign two of her functions (such as “R2” + “L2”) to the same button.
- control profile
- Players can save programmed button settings as control profiles and easily switch between them by pressing a profile button.
- Players can save and access up to 3 control profiles at any time from their PS5 console.
Works with other devices and accessibility accessories
Project Leonardo can be used as a standalone controller or in combination with additional Project Leonardo or DualSense wireless controllers. Up to two Project Leonardo controllers and one DualSense wireless controller can be used together as one virtual controller, allowing players to mix and match devices for specific gameplay needs or play cooperatively with others. I can do it.
For example, a player can augment a DualSense controller with a Project Leonardo controller, or have two Project Leonardo controllers themselves. A friend or family member can also help control the player’s game character using a DualSense controller or his second Project Leonardo controller. Controllers can be turned on or off dynamically and can be used in any combination.
Project Leonardo is expandable via four 3.5mm AUX ports to support a variety of external switches and third party accessibility accessories. This allows users to integrate special switches, buttons, or analog sticks with Project Leonardo controllers. External accessories can be dynamically connected or disconnected, and each can be configured to function like any other button.
Flexible and Adaptable Design
Project Leonardo’s split, symmetrical design allows players to move the analog sticks as close or far apart as they like. The controller is flat and doesn’t need to be held, so the player can place it on a tabletop or wheelchair tray. It easily attaches to an AMPS mount* or tripod and can be swiveled 360 degrees for the most comfortable use. Players can also program the “North” orientation of the analog sticks to match their preferred controller orientation.
So Morimoto, designer at Sony Interactive Entertainment, shares some insight into how his team approached the industrial design for Project Leonardo.
“Project Leonardo is part of the PS5 product family and is based on the same design concept. We tested 12+ designs with accessibility experts looking for an approach that would help address the key challenges to use, ultimately allowing near free-form left/right thumbstick repositioning. We settled on a “split controller” design that can be used without the need to hold and features extremely flexible button and stick cap replacement.
“There is no ‘right’ form factor, as players can customize Project Leonardo to suit their needs. We want them to be able to create their own configurations. Controllers can also flexibly accept combinations of accessibility accessories to create their own aesthetics. Rather than presenting a single form factor to the player, we are excited to see the design come to fruition through collaboration with the player. ”
– SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT DESIGNER Hajime Morimoto
looking to the future
Project Leonardo is currently in development and continues to gather valuable feedback from the community. Thank you to all the amazing organizations and accessibility experts who are supporting this effort.
We would also like to thank the community for advocating for improvements to the accessibility of the game. You are the reason we work and your passion inspires us every day. It is truly an honor for us to be able to create products that are better suited to your needs. We look forward to sharing more information in the future, including additional product features and availability.
*AMPS is an industry standard mounting screw pattern for attaching devices to equipment, including accessibility equipment.
