Project Leonardo: Meet the new dedicated PS5 controller   

For people with disabilities

Following in the footsteps of Microsoft with the Xbox Adaptive Controller launched in 2018, Sony has now announced a similar venture as part of its CES 2023 press conference . Meet Project Leonardo , the new PS5 controller that wants to make gaming in the PlayStation ecosystem more accessible to people with disabilities, allowing them to play more easily, more comfortably and for longer periods of time.

Project Leonardo has been designed in collaboration with accessibility experts, community members and developers. In essence, it is a kit that offers countless customization options, so that each player can adjust it according to their needs. The controller has a circular shape with large buttons, which can be changed in position and shape. A short distance away is also a large analog stick, which can also be modified. More generally, every aspect of the control can be changed to accommodate the different strength levels, range of motion and particular physical needs of the individual.

In fact, Project Leonardo can be expanded through four 3.5mm AUX ports, to connect various third party accessories and a wide variety of special external buttons. In addition to the countless hardware options, Sony has also edited many software features, such as Button mapping and Control profiles.

In addition, Project Leonardo can be combined with the input of a DualSense controller or even another Project Leonardo, creating a virtual controller. This way a second player can help, or the experience can be further customized with extra buttons and peripherals.

For the record, Sony has made huge strides in Accessibility lately, with PlayStation Studios games being among those that offer the most options in the industry. In fact, God of War Ragnarok also won the related Innovation in Accessibility award at The Game Awards 2022.

You can learn more about Project Leonardo by clicking here.