New patents bySony Interactive Entertainmentreveal more details about PlayStation 5’s new Access Controller, which was formerly known as Project Leonardo. The new Access Controller is the latest accessibility project bySonyto help even more gamers enjoy the suite of PlayStation Studios and third-party titles on PlayStation 5.
Project Leonardo was first revealed during CES 2023 asPlayStation’s answer to Xbox’s Adaptive Controller. The highly customizable controller was designed to help disabled gamers comfortably play through major PlayStation titles likeGran Turismo 7andGod of War Ragnarokwithout compatibility issues. Additionally, Sony confirmed that the controller would work “out of the box” for PlayStation 5 with support for third-party accessibility accessories. On May 18, Sony announced Project Leonardo’s official name would be the Access Controller, and the company is committed to addressing feedback from various organizations as it develops the controller.
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Sony published various patents forthe new Access Controller for PlayStation 5, revealing more insight into its design under the Project Leonardo codename. The first patent details the controller’s analog stick, which is designed to aid players with visual or motor skill impairments. The analog stick is placed on a sliding platform that allows the player to adjust it if desired. A lock mechanism on the platform provides further support for the analog stick while the user plays a PlayStation 5 title. The Access Controller’s analog stick is large, but it retains the same functionality as a standard analog stick for typical PlayStation controllers.
Sony’s second patent details the Access Controller’s support for attachments such as a flexible strap or a tripod. The controller includes fasteners that may be used to secure the user’s attachments to the holes labeled on the base. Sony does not limit compatibility due to several use cases that may be necessary for users with impairments.
The Access Controller appears to be a major step in the right direction for Sony and its accessibility efforts for PlayStation 5. The recent patents outline features that should help gamers playthe best PlayStation 5 gameswhile waiting on more titles to be revealed soon by Sony and its partners.
Although a release date was not announced, development of the Access Controller appears to be progressing smoothly at PlayStation.The upcoming PlayStation Showcasewill focus on new PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2 titles, and the Access Controller is not confirmed to make an appearance at the event.Sonymay want to reveal a release date for the Access Controller soon since fans will be anticipating many new game releases in the latter half of 2023, however.
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