Last week, to recognize Global Accessibility Day, Microsoft announced the new Proteus Controller, a $299 modular video game controller kit that lets Xbox gamers with disabilities customize their controllers.
As The Verge reports, the wireless controller was created by peripheral company ByoWave as part of the Designed for Xbox program. It consists of small cubes with interchangeable faceplates that include controller buttons, a directional pad, and analog sticks.
The “snap and play” parts connect together so gamers can build more than 100 configurations and LED lighting variations. As a result, one-handed gamers and other players with disabilities can use the controller in a way that’s most comfortable for them. The buttons are also remappable for a more individualized experience, albeit only via the companion app.
As an introduction to the announcement, Xbox Wire wrote:
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is an opportunity to continue to recognize our community of players with disabilities, whose partnership and advocacy have helped create an inclusive and thriving global gaming community. There are over 450 million players with disabilities worldwide, and we want to highlight the importance of accessibility so gaming can be enjoyed by as many players as possible across all facets of the Xbox community.
At the same time, we acknowledge that accessibility is an ongoing journey to which Xbox remains committed. We created Xbox for players around the world as a place to play, to build community, and have fun. Everyone is invited to play, and we strive to bring intentional, inclusive practices and thinking to everything we do. As part of this journey, we are continuously partnering with the disability community to help shape our accessibility products and services, proactively collaborating with nonprofit organizations, and taking the time to listen and learn when we miss the mark.
At launch, the Proteus Controller will work with the Xbox Series X / S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 and 11. ByoWave says it won’t support PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch, though it’s open to partnering with these platforms.
The controller is expected to ship this fall, though it’s available to preorder via ByoWave’s website at a discounted price of $255 right now. The kit will include a USB-C charging cable and a Bluetooth dongle, as well as other parts like left and right handles to create a traditional gamepad and two large one-button peripherals.
Along with introducing a new controller, Microsoft is also updating its $99.99 Xbox Adaptive Controller, which was released in 2018 to help players build adaptive gaming setups.
The controller will soon support more accessories, with each USB port soon offering support for up to 12 buttons, a second stick, and a hat switch. The firmware update will be available to the public in the next few months but will roll out over the next couple of weeks to Xbox Insiders.
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