But let’s be honest: when Sony told everyone at CES in January 2023 about their accessibility controller, “Project Leonardo,” I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy. What was my first thought? Too small for gamers like me who have trouble moving around. How were we supposed to use that “sundial” button? It seemed like yet another attempt to be welcoming that fell short. Then Sony sent me a review unit, and I was really shocked by what it was like.
Project Leonardo got a makeover and is now called the Access Controller. It will be available for $89.99 starting December 6. By the way, “Leonardo” would have been much more interesting than “Access Controller.” The Access Controller was made by Sony with help from AbleGamers, SpecialEffect, Stack-Up, and other disability experts. The bad news is that it only works with the PlayStation 5 and not with PS Remote Play. It would have been great if you could use this gem for PC games or everyday computer work. You missed a chance, right?
Unboxing Joy: The Meet and Greet
From Skeptic to Super Fan
Cracking open the Access Controller box was a rollercoaster of emotions. The initial meh turned into a solid “wow.” The design was sleek, and it felt sturdy in my hands. But looks can be deceiving, right? I was still skeptical about this so-called button sundial.
Hands-On Magic: Navigating the Sundial
Surprise, Surprise
Now, the real test—putting this bad boy to work. As I started navigating the button arrangement, something clicked. Literally. The sundial setup, once awkward in my mind, turned out to be intuitive. My fingers danced across the buttons like they were on a well-choreographed routine. Sony somehow cracked the code of making a compact controller that feels just right.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Sony Access Controller
Collaboration for the Win
Sony didn’t whip up the Access Controller in isolation. They teamed up with AbleGamers, SpecialEffect, Stack-Up, and other wizards in the realm of disabilities. The result? A controller that feels like it was tailor-made for inclusivity. Kudos to Sony for bringing experts on board—it shows.
Compatibility Conundrum: PlayStation 5 Exclusive
A Bit of a Downer
Okay, let’s talk about the not-so-great part. The Access Controller is like that VIP ticket that only works for one club—the PlayStation 5. No playing nice with PS Remote Play or hopping into the PC gaming scene. A missed chance to make this controller an all-around superhero for gamers.
Final Verdict: A Gem with Some Limits
To Leonardo or Not to Leonardo?
So, here’s the lowdown. The Access Controller is a gem, no doubt. It surprised me, won me over, and made me rethink my initial “meh.” The design is top-notch, the sundial layout is oddly genius, and Sony did their homework by collaborating with the best in the accessibility game. But, and it’s a big but, the exclusivity to PlayStation 5 feels like a missed opportunity. It could’ve been a true game-changer if it played nice with other platforms. Leonardo might have been a cooler name, but the Access Controller is still a star in its own right. Just remember, it’s not the superhero for every gaming arena.
