Continuing its efforts to stay one step ahead in the competition with PlayStation, Xbox has taken a new step to appeal to all segments of society. Microsoft is now focused on disabled gamers and has recently introduced a revolutionary controller for this purpose.
The new gamepad offers full customization with its stylish design, easily removable parts, and special app. However, this hasn’t prevented it from becoming the focus of harsh criticism from angry fans due to its high price.
Microsoft Announces the Proteus Controller for Xbox Gamers With Disabilities
The Proteus Controller is designed to elevate the gameplay experience for disabled Xbox gamers. This modular video game controller kit was produced by ByoWave as part of the Design for Xbox program and has a design that disabled players can customize as they wish.
The controller consists of several easily connectable parts, such as controller buttons, directional pads, and analog sticks. These components can be assembled in countless designs based on players’ imagination and requirements. Additionally, it’s claimed that gamers will have the ability to create over 100 million configurations and LED lighting variations using this single kit.
The new gamepad also offers an app for users seeking a more personalized experience. From this app, users can remap buttons in their configuration and save game profiles for later use. Folks will also be able to adjust the colors and brightness of the LEDs on their controllers with this app.
Microsoft has announced the Proteus Controller, a $299 modular video game controller kit that’s designed for Xbox gamers with disabilities https://t.co/5SFELiZrAk
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) May 15, 2024
ByoWave states that this wireless controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10, and Windows 11. While there is no official confirmation yet, it is not anticipated to be compatible with other platforms such as PlayStation and Nintendo.
Fans Have Expressed Dissatisfaction With the High Price of the New Controller
Microsoft’s new controller will be available to gamers this fall, and it’s currently available for pre-order on ByoWave’s website for a discounted price of $255. However, this price didn’t please some gamers, and they expressed their dissatisfaction on social media.
The common opinion among most fans is that the development of such a product is very nice, but its price is unattainable for disabled players. According to them, disabled people are one of the communities with the highest cost of living in society, and such price tags pose a major obstacle to their ability to have a good gaming experience.
Why is it so expensive? It's nice that they developed this product, but that price tag puts it way out of reach for people with disabilities who already have to carry the burden of having the highest cost of living out of any other demographic group.
— C (@carloselcoco) May 15, 2024
For comparison, Sony also released a PS5 controller for disabled gamers last year. Similarly, it can be customized according to player needs and is priced at $89.99 on PlayStation’s official website.
So, what do you think about this? What are the prices of game controllers produced for disabled gamers? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
