Xbox is expanding its accessibility footprint with the Proteus Controller, a modular gamepad created by startup peripheral company Byowave as part of its Designed for Xbox program. The Proteus Controller is a group of palm-sized cubes that can be connected together in various configurations with interchangeable faceplates that include standard controller buttons, analog sticks, and a directional pad. This means that players can set up the Proteus Controller to be used in customized ways: on the one hand, tabletop flat, as part of a traditional gamepad with palm grips, attached to a joystick, and other setups.
Proteus Controller available for pre-order now at a discounted price of $255. It is expected to ship in the fall. The complete set includes two power cubes, two analog cubes (with Hall effect sensors), one half cube and two blanks, plus interchangeable peripherals. There’s a D-pad, a left trigger, a right trigger, two single-button options, an XYAB diamond, a mini analog stick, and an Xbox home group. It also comes with left and right grips to create a traditional gamepad, and socket and plug covers featuring Byowave’s cute blue animal. The package includes a USB-C charging cable and a Bluetooth dongle.
Byowave is selling the Proteus Controller in tiers, with only 150 units available at a VIP price of $255. After that, there will be 500 sets for $268 (Early Bird) and then 1000 sets 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 is supported 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 PlayStation 5. Switch – at least not at first.
“It’s very important for us to have an official license with the console companies to ensure a seamless user experience and ensure the longevity of the controller.” Proteus FAQ is reading “We would like to cooperate with these platforms in the future! 🤞”
The Byowave team says they can’t verify that the Proteus Controller will work with the Steam Deck, but they hope it will. Interested players are encouraged to contact them directly for more information on Steam Deck integration.
The Proteus Controller is part of the Designed by Xbox program, meaning it was developed 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 puts a new emphasis on accessibility products in this space. Microsoft announced today that it is speeding up and simplifying the process of joining Designed by Xbox for hardware manufacturers focused on serving the disability community.
The announcement of the Proteus Controller is part of Xbox’s recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Xbox has been the leader in affordable gaming hardware since its launch Adaptive Controller The Adaptive Controller is a redesigned, deeply customizable gamepad designed in collaboration with AbleGamers, Warfighter Engaged, SpecialEffect, Craig Hospital, and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and was the first piece of hardware from a major manufacturer focused on gamers. disabled people. It costs just $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 Global Accessibility Awareness Day, as mentioned Xbox Wire: “Based on community feedback from an update that affected unauthorized accessories on our platform, we’re updating the Xbox Adaptive Controller to expand support for more accessories that connect via the USB port. This update will better support the full functionality of some accessibility peripherals.”
Each port of the Adaptive Controller will now support up to 12 buttons, a second stick and a hat switch. The update will hit Xbox Insiders first in the next few weeks and will be released to the public via a controller update request in the coming months.
