Xbox is expanding its accessibility footprint with the Proteus Controller, a modular gamepad created by fledgling peripherals company Byowave as part of the Designed for Xbox program. The Proteus Controller is a group of palm-sized cubes that can be connected to each other in a wide variety of configurations, with interchangeable faceplates including standard controller buttons, analog sticks, and a directional pad. This means that gamers can configure the Proteus controller to be used in an individualized way: in one hand, flat on a desk, as part of a traditional gamepad with grips, connected to a joystick, and d other configurations.
The Proteus Controller is available for pre-order now at the discounted price of $255. It is expected to ship in the fall. The complete kit includes two power cubes, two analog cubes (with Hall effect sensors), a half cube and two spacers, as well as the exchangeable peripherals. There’s a D-pad, a left trigger, a right trigger, two single-button options, an XYAB diamond, a mini analog stick, and the Xbox docking band. It also comes with left and right grips to create a traditional gamepad, as well as socket and plug covers representing Byowave’s cute blue beast. A USB-C charging cable and a Bluetooth dongle are included in the package.
Byowave sells the Proteus controller in tiers, and it only offers 150 at the VIP price of $255. After that, 500 kits will be available for $268 (Early Bird), then 1,000 kits available for $284 (pre-order). The standard price of the Proteus controller will be $300.
As evidenced by the built-in Xbox home button, the Proteus controller has been backed by Microsoft and at launch it will only work with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 and 11. It will not work with PlayStation 5 or Change – at least not at first.
“It is very important for us to have an official license from the console manufacturers in order to ensure a seamless user experience and ensure the longevity of the controller,” reads the Proteus FAQ. “We would love to partner with these platforms in the future! 🤞”
The Byowave team says they can’t verify that the Proteus controller will work with Steam Deck, but they hope it will. They encourage interested players to reach out directly for more information on Steam Deck integration.
The Proteus controller is part of the Designed by Xbox program, meaning it was developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s gaming teams and should work seamlessly with the company’s hardware. Companies like Razer, Turtle Beach, PowerA, and Logitech also sell gadgets bearing the Designed by Xbox logo, but the Byowave partnership marks a new emphasis on accessibility products in this space. Microsoft today announced that it is speeding up and streamlining the Designed by Xbox onboarding process for hardware makers focused on serving the disability community.
The Proteus controller announcement is part of Xbox’s recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Xbox has been a leader in accessible gaming hardware since the launch of the Adaptive Controller in late 2018. The Adaptive Controller is a reimagined, deeply customizable gamepad designed in partnership with AbleGamers, Warfighter Engaged, SpecialEffect, Craig Hospital and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and it was the first piece of hardware from a major manufacturer to focus on gamers with disabilities. It only costs $100 and allows users to plug in their own third-party peripherals to create their ideal gaming setup.
The Adaptive Controller is also getting some love for World Accessibility Awareness Day, as noted on Xbox Wire: “Based on community feedback following an update affecting non-accessible accessories allowed on our platform, we are updating the Xbox Adaptive Controller to expand support for more accessories connected via the USB port. This update will better support all features of some. accessibility devices.
Each port on the Adaptive Controller will now support up to 12 buttons, a second stick, and a hat switch. The update will first hit Xbox Insiders over the next few weeks and will be made public via a controller update prompt in the coming months.
News Source : www.engadget.com
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