Microsoft continues to take positive steps in the accessibility space, revealing a new all-in-one modular controller kit designed to meet the needs of disabled gamers.
In a recent post on the official Xbox Wire blog, the company's gaming accessibility team commemorated World Accessibility Awareness Day (which is today, May 16) and reaffirmed that: “Accessibility is an ongoing journey to which Xbox remains committed. In addition to detailing new accessibility-oriented updates coming to the Xbox Adaptive Controller and a range of video games, the company announced the upcoming Proteus Controller.
Designed by Irish electronics company ByoWave, the Proteus controller features distinctive “snap and play” components that offer fully modular functionality. When taken apart, it looks a bit like a high-tech ball game. ByoWave refers to each of these balls as an individual 'Power Cube' and can be customized with up to six accessories. These accessories range from standard controller features like a D-pad or a set of face buttons to full-size grips and small half-cubes that let you create 45- or 90-degree angles.
Power Cubes can be connected in a variety of ways, forming conventional controller shapes or something completely unique, depending on each individual's needs. It looks like a downright incredible piece of kit and it's not hard to imagine the ways it could come in handy. ByoWave claims that the Proteus controller works well for “one-handed gamers, gamers with chronic pain, and generally anyone who can still press standard buttons and inputs, but finds the design of standard controllers problematic or can't hold a controller”.
Although it's probably to be expected given some of the technology here, the Proteus controller has an absolutely eye-watering price of $299. It's currently available for pre-order with a 15% early bird discount, bringing the price down to a slightly more palatable $255, but it is still a product that will be out of reach for many. The Proteus controller is expected to ship later this year and will be compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC.
