Project Leonardo, a PlayStation 5 accessibility controller

March is National Disabilities Awareness Month in the United States. Awareness of disabilities helps encourage people to subside the stereotypical mindset they may have, creating a more positive and inclusive space. In honor of National Disabilities Awareness Month, we are writing about the PlayStation 5 accessibility controller Project Leonardo. Video games should be for everyone; barriers shouldn't dictate that.

During Sony's CES 2023 presentation, they announced their company is developing a new controller kit called Project Leonardo; Project Leonardo is a customizable controller kit that works to help many players with disabilities play games more conveniently, comfortably, and for longer durations. The controller lies flat and does not need to be held, so players can lay it on any surface. The controller can also be easily secured to mounts or tripods and is positionable. Project Leonardo works in conjunction with third-party accessibility accessories integrating with the PS5 tearing down barriers in gaming. The controller also has four 3.5mm aux jacks to plug in third-party accessibility accessories.

Not everyone can comfortably or effectively use a traditional controller, so accessibility features in games can't be fully utilized without effective hardware. The Project Leonardo design addresses common challenges some players may face, including accurately pressing small clusters of buttons, accurately pressing triggers, difficulty holding a controller for long periods, or positioning thumbs and fingers on a standard controller. Project Leonardo is highly customizable allowing users to craft their controller. The kit includes various interchangeable components, including buttons in different shapes and sizes and analog stick caps. The hardware customization kit allows users to dictate their circular controller's layout to their preferences. Users can position the joysticks and buttons in their preferred position.

The new PS5 controller also features software customization so players can tailor their experience. Users can customize and program button mapping. Project Leonardo is customizable to any supported function, and multiple buttons can be mapped to the same function. Users can have multiple programmed button settings saved under up to three control profiles. Project Leonardo can also pair with an additional Leonardo controller or Playstation's DualSense wireless controller.

The controller is still in development, and Sony has yet to announce a price or release date. They are still in the process of gathering feedback about the improvements that can be made to the controller kit. Playstation has a current list of released games with accessibility options including God of War Ragnarok, Gran Turismo 7, Horizon Forbidden West, The Last of Us Part II, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered, Destruction AllStars, Returnal, Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, Death Stranding Director's Cut, God of War, Days Gone, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Predator: Hunting Grounds.