Everything I think About Sony’s new ‘Project Leonardo’ Controller

PlayStation introduced their first accessibility controller, which is currently being referred to with the codename, ‘Project Leonardo’, back in January at CES.

Following on from earlier accessibility game controllers — including the Xbox Adaptive Controller by Xbox and the Hori Flex for the Nintendo Switch (although that was developed by Hori and not Nintendo) — you could argue that this controller is taking inspiration from its competitors, so let’s see to what extent this is true.

In what ways will the ‘Project Leonardo’ Controller be customisable?

Compatible with the PS5, the controller will include a robust kit of swappable components, including a variety of analogue stick caps and buttons which come in all different shapes and sizes.

PS5 users will be able to use these components to craft their own controller layouts. And they’ll also be able to adjust the distance of the analog stick to suit their own preferences.

The controller will include features such as button mapping (which will allow users to map one or two functions to one or two functions), and you can also create up to three profiles.

You’ll also be able to pair the Project Leonardo controller with additional Project Leonardo or DualSense wireless controllers, as up to two Project Leonardo and DualSense controllers will be able to act as one.

Final thoughts?

I’m happy that PlayStation are moving into the accessibility space to help make their console even more accessible, and I’m happy they’ve taken notes from the Xbox Adaptive Controller — with features similar to the Co-Pilot feature that lets you use two controllers as one (though it will be hard getting used to a different name) — but it’s also good that the controller will include 3.5mm jacks, so disabled gamers won’t have to buy in any new switches, as the ones you have shoul

I can’t promise I will be swapping from Xbox over to PlayStation permanently, but what I can say is that my point of view on PlatStation has changed, so much that I have contacted PlayStation UK and Ireland about being happy to test it, and I will happily loan in a PS5 to check out how accessible it is. And if that does happen, I can say the game I am most looking forward to playing is Spiderman Morales — partly due to how good its accessibility is meant to be.

According to the Playstation blog, the Project Leonardo controller is still in development. But as soon as a release date for it is announced, I will update it.