At CES, Sony introduced “Mission Leonardo,” which is the codename for an upcoming extremely customizable controller package for the PlayStation 5 that works “out of the field to assist many gamers with disabilities play video games extra simply, extra comfortably, and for longer durations.” In line with Sony, the controller is “developed with key contributions from accessibility consultants, group members, and recreation builders.” The controller reportedly has a number of options together with {Hardware} customizations corresponding to button mapping, a versatile, adaptable design, and extra. A trailer for the controller was additionally launched.
Sony Interactive Leisure designer So Morimoto shares some insights on how his crew approached the economic design of Mission Leonardo:
“Mission Leonardo is a part of the PlayStation 5 product household and relies on the identical design idea. We have been impressed by the thought of all gamers having fun with the world of PlayStation collectively. Our crew examined over a dozen designs with accessibility consultants, searching for approaches that may assist deal with key challenges to efficient controller use. We lastly settled on a ‘cut up controller’ design that enables close to free-form left/proper thumbstick repositionability, can be utilized without having to be held, and options very versatile button and stick cap swapping.
“As a result of gamers can customise Mission Leonardo in response to their wants, there isn’t any one ‘proper’ type issue. We need to empower them to create their very own configurations. The controller may also flexibly settle for combos of accessibility equipment to create a singular aesthetic. I’m excited that the design will probably be accomplished by collaboration with gamers quite than presenting them with a single type issue.”
Accessibility is a vital subject to us at PlayStation, and we need to proceed elevating the bar to allow each gamer to expertise the enjoyment of play. Whether or not it’s the sturdy accessibility choices in PlayStation Studios video games like Sony Santa Monica’s God of Conflict Ragnarok or Naughty Canine‘s The Final of Us Half I, or the big selection of options in our PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 console UI, we’re obsessed with lowering limitations to play for each gamer.
Listed here are a few of the key options:
Extremely Customizable Play Expertise
{Hardware} customizations. Mission Leonardo for PlayStation 5 is a canvas for players to craft their very own play expertise. It features a sturdy package of swappable elements, together with a wide range of analog stick caps and buttons in numerous sizes and shapes.
Gamers can use these elements to craft a big selection of management layouts. And the gap of the analog stick from the sport pad could be adjusted to swimsuit the participant’s desire. These elements permit gamers to discover a configuration that works for his or her energy, vary of movement, and specific bodily wants.
Software program customizations. On the PlayStation 5 console gamers have an array of choices to tailor their Mission Leonardo play expertise:
Button Mapping
The controller’s buttons could be programmed to any supported perform and a number of buttons could be mapped to the identical perform. Conversely, gamers can map two features (like “R2” + “L2”) onto the identical button.
Management Profiles
Gamers can retailer their programmed button settings as management profiles and simply change between them by urgent the profile button.
As much as three management profiles could be saved and accessed by the participant from their PlayStation 5 console at any time.
Works Collaboratively with Different Gadgets and Accessibility Equipment
Mission Leonardo can be utilized as a standalone controller or paired with extra Mission Leonardo or DualSense wi-fi controllers. As much as two Mission Leonardo controllers and one DualSense wi-fi controller can be utilized collectively as a single digital controller, permitting gamers to combine and match units to suit their specific gameplay wants, or to play collaboratively with others.
For instance, gamers can increase their DualSense controller with a Mission Leonardo controller or use two Mission Leonardo controllers on their very own. A good friend or member of the family may also help by serving to to manage the participant’s recreation character with a DualSense controller or a second Mission Leonardo controller. The controllers could be dynamically turned on or off and utilized in any mixture.
Mission Leonardo is expandable by 4 3.5mm AUX ports to assist a wide range of exterior switches and third-party accessibility equipment. This permits customers to combine specialty switches, buttons or analog sticks with the Mission Leonardo controller. The exterior equipment could be dynamically linked or disconnected, and every could be configured to behave like another button.
Versatile, Adaptable Design
Mission Leonardo’s cut up, symmetric design permits gamers to reposition the analog sticks as shut collectively or as far aside as they like. The controller lies flat and doesn’t must be held, so gamers can lay it on a tabletop or a wheelchair tray. It may be simply secured to AMPS mounts* or tripods, and could be oriented 360 levels for essentially the most snug use. Gamers may also program the “north” orientation on the analog sticks to match their most well-liked controller orientation
Trying Forward
Mission Leonardo is presently in improvement and we proceed to assemble worthwhile suggestions from the group. We’d wish to thank all of the great organizations and accessibility consultants who’re supporting us on this effort.
We’re additionally grateful to everybody locally who has advocated for better gaming accessibility. You’re the cause we do our work and your ardour evokes us on daily basis. It’s really a privilege for us to create merchandise that higher serve your wants. We look ahead to sharing extra sooner or later, together with extra product options and launch timing.