Sony has been a pioneer of video game accessibility, winning numerous awards for its efforts in first-party games like The Last of Us: Part 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of War Ragnarok. It’s become a trademark of PS Studios, and with each release the organisation’s efforts are getting more ambitious. The outcome has been more and more people are able to play its games.
But the platform holder has been lingering behind when it comes to hardware. While the PS5 comes with a suite of accessibility features at the operating system level, like the ability to zoom in on the screen and remap controls, the DualSense itself can be a hindrance for those with physical disabilities; the mere act of holding the pad can be a challenge for some.
That’s where the company’s new accessibility controller, Project Leonardo, comes in – and according to boss Jim Ryan, it’s an accessory that’s been in development for a while. “Project Leonardo is a product we’ve been developing for years, with the goal of making something that is truly unique and caters to a wide range of players with different physical needs,” he told Wired. “It’s really a toolbox for you to customise your play experience how you want.”
Sony is pitching the device as not just a controller, but a hardware kit, which is completely customisable. One of its key features is its split shape, which allows the user to position it as they require. “We finally settled on a split controller design that allows near freeform left/right thumbstick repositioning, can be used without needing to be held, and features very flexible button and stick cap swapping,” said designer So Morimoto. “Because players can customise it according to their needs, there is no one ‘right’ form factor. We want to empower them to create their own configurations.”
Ryan summed up Sony’s objectives: “We’re working toward a future where players of all abilities can share in the joy of gaming. Whether through in-game accessibility settings, platform UI features, or new products like Project Leonardo, our PS Studios and product development teams are deeply passionate about making that a reality. Our hope is that the gaming industry will become even more inclusive, and we’re grateful to play a part in this journey.”
[source wired.com]
Comments 18
Genius!
I really hope it works well and is successful.
Thats actually really cool. I think a lot of people will be very happy with this.
Cool idea, hopefully it works well. Playstation has really been pushing for accessibility, and that is a goal worth admiring (anybody who worked on accessible product knows how much effort and understanding is required to pull it off in a useful manner).
About time really Microsoft did it first years ago. Hopefully it isn't any more expensive then the DualSense.
It's a shame that everything seems to cost more for the disabled.
This is an interesting design - hopefully it proves effective for those who need it
Thank you. I've noticed my hands lock up in some games these days I'll look into this.
@Cyberpsycho technically it has to. There is a lot of RND specifically aimed at accessible interfaces, and people who don't need it are not very acceptive of a shared cost idea built into primary interface price.
People are cheap on their own health insurance let alone fellowman disability.
@Cyberpsycho the Xbox accessibility controller is around 150$ USD I think, but it also requires some add ons in a lot of cases, so the price can be more than that depending on the person's needs. The Sony device seems to be more or less the same idea with a core peripheral that can also accept some breakout devices. I know here in Canada, you can actually get funding for a lot of stuff like this to help offset the costs, but that would probably vary per country.
@commentlife Xbox adaptive controller is $99.99
@trev666 my mistake, didn't realize their site gives Canadian currency, it's 130$ CAD.
I hope they make it open platform, and not just locked into PS5. This is revolutionary, and I feel gamers all over could benefit from a controller like this!
Good idea. Xbox did it and glad to see Sony has as well for more gamers to be able to play games. Lacks more than just AUX/Headphone jack style ports though I don't get why. I will say it had more than the 2 button spaces on the Xbox controller and the smaller buttons so that's something. It does look like a carousel though but I think the look is practical and functional and I'm all for it as I think it will be effective at what it sets out to do. But No USB? Serial? P/S2 (not the console and sure it's old but I mean still why not)? Why say 'customisation and accessibility' but not offer more cable/port options for controllers? I don't think USB To AUX adapters will do for data and such to make them work. USB and others are designed to allow for a lot and AUX isn't going to allow for that for some controllers. Joysticks sure (only because I saw what was used with the Xbox controller otherwise I didn't know they used those types) others nope. The Xbox controller to me I was just as confused why they didn't do this. Both a design limitation both fail at.
Otherwise I question how Heavy Rain (I think it is the one with the hold 4 buttons to step over wires scene yeah that's why I question if this is a controller capable of that) or Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair using multiple buttons to do certain actions will be (even if rebinding is possible to make it so it's the left side and right side than both right being awkward) should be fine but playing on a touchscreen it was noticeable doing two buttons on the right side and not being able to do R1 and X is annoying. No one wants a claw grip and no one wants to make it awkward to do 2-3 button actions when animations and programmers may not want to go in and change it so it's more animation automated for actions that usually would require that. Some games do and while I hate it I get for some cases it benefits but other games they will need to update to accommodate and some aren't likely willing to depending on how old or if they think it suits the game.
@NomNom same here , I applaud Sony for doing this but if it is just for ps5 then it's a case of one step forward two steps back , thats like saying ppl with disabilities should b able to do the things able bodied ppl can ...but only if it's on ps5
Super cool, hope this allows more people to enjoy gaming!
Now even more people can play knack 2 when its made a PSN+ game next month.
Heaven forbid anyone use this controller while playing Elden Ring though, otherwise it might make it easier than had they played it with the standard controller, the controller the game was originally intended to be played with.
Always a great thing to have more gamers out in the wilds .
@sonicmeerkat keep dreaming, not until we get knack 3
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