Sony is leading the charge in accessibility and its new PS5 controller proves it
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Sonyhad a busy CES 2023, headlined by a new accessibility controller in development for PS5, codenamed Project Leonardo.
Sony Interactive Entertainment president Jim Ryan unveiled Project Leonardo on stage atCES 2023during the company’s press conference there. Ryan stated that thePS5accessibility controller “will allow players with disabilities to play more easily, more comfortably, and for longer periods.”
Project Leonardo looks to be highly customizable. Initial renders displayed during Sony’s press conference show a circular pad with large buttons surrounding a central plate. Resting at the bottom is a sizable joystick that’ll likely be designated for movement and camera control by default.
Another render shows Leonardo segmented into its individual components, demonstrating that similar to ‘Pro’ controllers like theDualSense EdgeorXbox Elite Controller Series 2andMicrosoft’s own Adaptive controller, certain modules can be swapped around based on the user’s needs or preferences.
Crucially, Project Leonardo can be used in conjunction with aDualSensewireless controller or a second Leonardo pad, which is fantastic for those who may need some extra support while playing, or simply want more control options for games with lots of multi-buttoned inputs.
Project Leonardo is being developed in tandem with charities Special Effect, Able Gamers and Stack Up, and while a price hasn’t been announced, Ryan finishes the segment by stating more news will follow in the coming months.
Leading the charge
Sony and PlayStation Studios' commitment to accessibility is impressive. Looking at the accessibility options for games likeThe Last of Us Part 2andGod of War Ragnarok, it’s easy to see why those games have won accessibility awards. Both feature swathes of options to aid gamers across a wide spectrum of disabilities.
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The company’s efforts have clearly had a knock-on effect, too.Assassin’s Creed Valhallaand other big Ubisoft titles are starting to have similarly robust accessibility menus. AndStreet Fighter 6’s accessibility suitebrings such options to a genre I personally never thought I’d see them in.
Project Leonardo looks to be Sony’s next innovation in accessibility, and it’s reassuring to see the company invest further in bespoke accessibility hardware. I hope the device isn’t overly pricey. BothPSVR 2and the DualSense Edge have shown Sony is willing to charge a premium for its hardware, but if it can nail the price point for Leonardo, it’d be fantastic news for players who need it most. It’s also one areaMicrosoft’s Adaptive controller has let players down.
I’d love for Project Leonardo to getMicrosoftlooking back at its Xbox Adaptive Controller, which is compatible withXbox Series X|S, but seems to rarely be a part of the conversation when we’re talking about accessibility in gaming.
Microsoft is looking at a busy couple of years, with anticipated games likeStarfield,Forza MotorsportandFableon the horizon. With its release schedule warming up again, it’s a great time for the company to bring its own accessibility efforts back into the forefront as Sony continues to innovate.
Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.
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