Sony annouces Accessibility focused controller "Project Leonardo"

[Breakingthegreen]

At CES, an announcement for a control scheme for disabled players has been announced:

 

 

 https://blog.playstation.com/2023/01/04/introducing-project-leonardo-for-playstation-5-a-highly-customizable-accessibility-controller-kit/

 

It features button remapping at a physical level, and can be combine with the dual sense for more flexibility in gaming choice, (eg imagine if your thumbs worked well but you'd broken your fingers, attaching Project Leonardo will let you hit the triggers with you feet or elbow.)

Don't expect this to be a replacement if you already play with a Dualsense, but It's worth knowing especially if you reckon you'll still want to play games as you age.

 

I don't expect this to be exciting to many of you, but it's still a massive force for good in the gaming industry. Especially since PlayStation had been doing fantastic when it comes to accessibility in it's software.

 

 

Edited January 6, 2023 by breakingthegreen

[MidnightDragon]

That's cool that they're trying to make games available to more. 

[DaivRules]

Really curios what Ben Heck thinks about this since he’s been making custom controllers for disabled gamers for decades. 
 

 

Cool to see more options available with this level of support. 

[Conor]

I’m surprised it took so long given how Xbox brought one out years ago.

[ExHaseo]

Finally. Xbox released one almost 5 years ago. It looks pretty rough by comparison too. Hopefully it's able to help more people play games though, that's really all that matters.

[GothGirlMaxine]

Giving more people the opportunity to experience video games is incredible, can’t wait to see how much this changes people’s lives.

[TrophyChief]

Hell, I’ll buy one for collection purposes and support. 

[Dry]

Assuming battery life isn't trivial and the sticks don't drift, I see this as a win for all who can benefit greatly from use of this controller.

[MrShovelware]

2 minutes ago, Dry said:

Assuming battery life isn't trivial and the sticks don't drift, I see this as a win for all who can benefit greatly from use of this controller.

They've already gone on record to say the new controller will have less battery life than the standard ps5 controller which is already abysmal.  This won't have a great battery life too guaranteed. 

Edited January 5, 2023 by MrShovelware

[Dry]

Just now, MrShovelware said:

They've already gone on record to say the new controller will have less battery life than the standard ps5 controller which is already abysmal. 

 

I'm pretty sure you're referring to the DualSense Pro controller. Project Leonardo is something else.

[vanslayder]

Interesting. And it will only cost 399.99$, right?

I will be able at last to grind boring parts of one game with feet while playing another with regular controller in hands. Cool

Edited January 5, 2023 by vanslayder

[GothGirlMaxine]

6 minutes ago, vanslayder said:

Interesting. And it will only cost 399.99$, right?

 

I personally estimate this will be about $100-120, keeping it competitive with the Xbox adaptive controller price, while taking advantage of the PS5's capabilities and functions. Additionally, I would love it if Sony donated a percentage of the profits to charities such as The AbleGamers Charity or ExtraLife. I think that would be a wonderful idea. 

Edited January 5, 2023 by StygianWolf4

[CelestialRequiem]

Can't wait to use this for Armored Core VI.

[Dry]

3 minutes ago, vanslayder said:

Interesting. And it will only cost 399.99$, right?

I will be able at last to grind boring parts of one game with feet while playing another with regular controller in hands. Cool

 

Don't you worry mate, Australian taxpayers Centrelink and/or NDIS will finantially support the product should you be legally eligible for dole.

 

Spoiler

Also assuming the location included on your forum profile is true. Otherwise you can ignore my quote/reply entirely.

 

[Elvick_]

Given the "accessible" pricing of a regular controller, I can only fear for the price of this thing. It's always amusing when corporations try to act like they care and then slap a premium on the "accessible" items. Given how much PS makes and the greed of wanting $10 more on top of every game, they should be willing to sell these things for $20 and eat the losses (if any). But something tells me they won't be cheap.

[Z1MZUM]

Unlocking use of ps4 controllers would be more accessible for all of us.

[Infected Elite]

This is really good but at the same time i have to ask... what took so long?

 

Better late than never but yeah, getting more ways to play a game readily available to the user is wonderful. Wonder the cost though. If a controller is 80-100, this should be similar or maybe a bit more. BUT it should have a benefit of a lifetime warranty. Instead of standard 1yr. 

[unCorey]

It's a really good news!! 

Gaming is for everyONE. ?

[saiyanbloodstyle]

I'm all for helping more people play games that need the help and support so i think this is great, it just opens up the opportunity to get more people involved in gaming.

[jinx_xii]

Happy to see games become more accessible. As someone with a disability I’ve met many others through my journey who could use something like this and experience whole new worlds which is an amazing thing. 

[Breakingthegreen]

Reviews for the Access controller are releasing, seems to be generally positive, but also with some caveats that may not make it usable for everyone like resistive buttons or few connectors for accessory controls. 
 

 

[Don_Chipotle]

I think its great they give options to others with certain conditions in order to join playing videogames, i hope they hear feedback from people and media and work in getting better to know the needs of the people in future proyects, because this is great

[MrShovelware]

lets hope they focus on making a good elite controller next.

 

dualsense edge was an abomination. 

[altStrafe]

On 12/6/2023 at 11:55 AM, MrShovelware said:

lets hope they focus on making a good elite controller next.

 

dualsense edge was an abomination. 

In what way? It lacked features to XBox’s equivalent Elite Series 2 but side by side with my SCUF Reflex Pro it has more features I value. Adjustable triggers without giving up Adaptive Triggers is great, the 2 customizable rear buttons with in-console remapping and programming is smooth, and the replaceable thumbstick modules is a decent bandaid patch before more companies embrace Hall effect.

[Laxus]

On 1/7/2024 at 11:41 AM, altStrafe said:

In what way? It lacked features to XBox’s equivalent Elite Series 2 but side by side with my SCUF Reflex Pro it has more features I value. Adjustable triggers without giving up Adaptive Triggers is great, the 2 customizable rear buttons with in-console remapping and programming is smooth, and the replaceable thumbstick modules is a decent bandaid patch before more companies embrace Hall effect.

 

Stick drift. That shitty overpriced 200 dollar controller still has the stick drift issue, because dear sony can't stop using the same parts lego is using for their stuff. The gen 5 controller are just bad.

Edited January 31 by Laxus-0