Sony presents prototype circular PS5 controller for accessibility

Sony has shown a prototype of a PS5 controller that focuses on accessibility at the CES electronics fair. The controller consists for the most part of a flat circular part. Users can customize the buttons themselves.

Sony calls the controller Project Leonardo. Users can use two Leonardos as separate controllers or use a single Leonardo in conjunction with a traditional DualSense controller, says Sony. Sony says it developed Project Leonardo in consultation with organizations for gamers with disabilities.

Project Leonardo can lie flat on a surface, eliminating the need for users to hold it. All buttons are adjustable via software and it is possible to create profiles that work with the controller. The functionality can be expanded via four 3.5mm ports on the housing.

Sony isn’t the first console maker to focus on accessibility with a controller. Nintendo said it was working on such a controller in August and the Xbox Adaptive Controller came out four years ago. When Sony will release the Leonardo controller is still unknown.