Sony Joins Xbox's Accessibility Mission With 'Project Leonardo'

But will it be compatible with other platforms?

by Liam Doolan Thu 5th Jan 2023

Microsoft has been a market leader when it comes to accessibility in gaming, and has often called on other video game companies around the world to help make gaming more accessible to the masses.

Well, in a surprise announcement today at Sony's CES 2023 press conference, the creator of PlayStation has revealed "Project Leonardo" for the PS5 - a new accessibility controller.

According to the official blog, this unique-looking piece of hardware has been designed to remove barriers to gaming and help players with disabilities "play more easily, more comfortably and for longer periods". The controller is said to be "highly customizable" and will work "out of the box".

Users will be able to get more out of the device thanks to four 3.5mm AUX ports to support a variety of external switches and third-party accessibility accessories. At this stage though, it's unclear if this device will be compatible with other platforms.

Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller is able to be paired with multiple different systems, and can even be used with PlayStation devices in place of regular controllers. If we hear any relevant updates, we'll let you know. You can learn more about this new controller for the PS5 on our sister website, Push Square.

What are your thoughts about Sony releasing its own accessibility controller? Comment down below.

Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. He's also got a soft spot for Sonic the Hedgehog.

1
S1ayeR74
Thu 5th Jan 2023

I haven’t looked into this a lot, but, does this like the Xbox controller have endless connectivity options? So it supports and works with a plethora of other disability controls and interfaces? Microsoft seemed to have really researched their device and thought about its compatibility. This seems proprietary? Still it’s fantastic to finally see official support for the disabled community from Sony.

2
Nalverus
Thu 5th Jan 2023

I will forever be for anyone and everyone to get to do what they want, play what they want to play an how they want to play it (besides cheating with the express intent on just ruining everyone else's experience).

....but that design is something else. its REALLY just something else.

3
Jireland92
Thu 5th Jan 2023

I’m looking at this from every angle and I still don’t know how I’m supposed to use it.

4
PhileasFragg
Thu 5th Jan 2023

Glad to see more companies getting in on giving more control options. The Xbox Adaptive controller is good for being so configurable, but the downside is the price.

The Adaptive controller is £75 by itself, and the accessories (buttons, joysticks, etc), are £40-75 each on top of that. So you may have to shell out a couple hundred quid to get a controller setup that'd work for you.

Unfortunately people who'd need something like this will often be the least able to afford it

5
themightyant
Thu 5th Jan 2023

@S1ayeR74 EDIT: This does have standard 3.5mm jacks under the buttons to allow endless connectivity options with a range of disability devices just like the brilliant Xbox adaptive controller.

However it's ALSO trying to cater for people with less severe needs who may just need larger buttons and larger sticks, or would find it easier to play like that. Statistically that is likely the majority of gamers who may benefit from a device like this, but will also be adaptable for those with more custom needs, two birds one stone.

It seems like a good product designed in close collaboration with the community. Besides Xbox adaptive controller can already be used with PS5 through a 3rd Party peripheral, it's good to have choice.

My main concerns is: what will is cost? The Xbox Adaptive controller is a bargain, this seems more complex and will likely cost more.

Still competition is good at pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This should be praised.

6
cragis0001
Thu 5th Jan 2023

I'd rather you'd reported about the new year messages from Japanese publishers. considering the high profile releases in January from Atlus & Capcom.

7
Martsmall
Thu 5th Jan 2023

@cragis0001 you serious ? If you are .....This is news for ppl with disabilities that could help them , just because u are fine as you are ud prefer other stuff ? Wow it must be great to have the world revolve around u

8
Zochmenos
Thu 5th Jan 2023

@cragis0001 Bizarre.

9
Jireland92
Thu 5th Jan 2023

@grumpypotato seriously?

10
InterceptorAlpha
Thu 5th Jan 2023

@PhileasFragg To be fair, we have to shell that out to get a decent regular controller anyway. The standard Series controllers have been so bad both comfort and functionality wise.

11
cragis0001
Fri 6th Jan 2023

@Martsmall I've got 3 disabled kids. The eldest even read the article & didn't see why an Xbox site was making such a big deal about Sony releasing one. It was only a matter of time before more came to market.

12
PhileasFragg
Fri 6th Jan 2023

@InterceptorAlpha Which is one reason I think that they should stop bundling a controller in with new consoles. Then you could choose to get something different like an accessible controller, or an Elite model without spending twice.

Back in the day you'd need 2-3 controllers for when your friends came over to play, but these days co-op has moved online.

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