Special Controller for PS5 Announced
Sony has announced the Leonardo project. It is a controller with a rather unusual shape. It is expected to provide a great deal of personalization options.
An occasion for the announcement of the Japanese company's new device was this year's CES 2023.The announcement appeared on Sony's official blog. The controller's biggest advantage is expected to be its extensive customization options and its ability to be used by people with disabilities. In addition, it will be able to be paired with DualSens, as well as third-party devices.
The difference at first glance is significantblog.playstation.com
What will the new controller offer?
The controller created in cooperation with, for example, Stack Up, AbleGamers is expected to offer easily removable and interchangeable components, including buttons of different shapes, analog stick caps, etc. In the case of the former, various shapes and sizes will be offered. The user will get the ability to set them in different arrangements, including adjusting the distance of the analog sticks from the gamepad. What's more, there will be no need to hold it in your hands, as AMPS mounts and 360-degree stands will be available.
The controller is expected to provide a rich range of configurationsblog.playstation.com
In terms of software, we won't be able to complain. A wide range of button mapping options will enable us to assign several buttons at once to one function or two actions to one of them. Efficient use will also be ensured by the ability to create profiles (up to 3) and seamlessly switch between them.
Project Leonardo will be able to operate independently, although it is expected to work with the DualSense controller without any problems. At most, it will be possible to connect two new devices and one DualSense to the console. The result will be a sort of virtual controller that will enable additional people to assisst in the game at key moments.
"Our team tested more than a dozen designs with accessibility experts, looking for solutions that would help address the key challenges of using the controller effectively. In the end, we decided on a 'split controller' design that allows for almost any left/right thumb position change, can be used without having to hold it, and offers highly flexible button and stick cap swapping," reads the PlayStation blog.
"Because gamers can customize Project Leonardo to suit their needs, it doesn't have one 'right' shape. We want to enable them to create their own configurations. The controller can also flexibly accept combinations of accessibility accessories to create a unique aesthetic. I'm excited that the project will be completed through collaboration with gamers, rather than by presenting them with a single case," we read further on.
The controller comes with as many as 4 AUX ports giving the ability to connect various additional third-party accessories. Quoting Sony Interactive Entertainment designer So Morimoto, "Project Leonardo is part of the PlayStation 5 product family and is based on the same design concept. We were inspired by the idea of all gamers sharing the PlayStation world."
The project is still in development, and the Japanese giant wants to gather the first feedback on the new device at this point. As a result, more details can be expected in the future in terms of functionality and a possible release.