The Proteus Controller is a $299 modular input device for players with disabilities and Microsoft has more good news for accessibility

The ByoWave Proteus modular controller, designed for players with disabilities for Microsoft as part of the Designed by Xbox program, with a hand outstretched over the modular units and controls on a table

(Image credit: ByoWave)

As part of the company's recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness day, Microsoft has announced a number of accessibility updates for Xbox and PC gamers, including a preorder release announcement for the ByoWave Proteus modular controller, a modular "snap and play" peripheral designed for gamers with disabilities created as part of the Designed for Xbox program.

The controller offers both PC and Xbox support, and has been designed to allow gamers the ability to snap together its various components in "over 100 million traditional and custom configuration and LED lighting variations". That should mean that players who have difficulty using regular gaming controllers are able to reconfigure the device into something more comfortable and easier to use than a standard gaming device.

There is a slight drawback, however, and that's the price. While the controller is currently available for preorder at a "VIP Price" for a limited number of units at $255, its regular retail MSRP is a whopping $299, although the functionality and design on display here does seem to make it something of a unique solution for those who struggle with regular controls.

Our test studio has been busy recently with visitors coming to our offices in Galway to test the Proteus Controller! Here are some configurations that we have been trying out with our community 😊Reserve yours now: https://t.co/RmBrP0gCSc#AdaptiveGaming #accessibleGaming pic.twitter.com/87bckaZMUNFebruary 15, 2024

Accessibility features in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 were also announced, including setting menu updates for accessibility features and a new preset that's designed to reduce the physical effort required to press multiple buttons at once.

A new Game Accessibility Workshop Toolkit has been made available to developers looking to make games more inclusive, including instructions and visual assets designed to help devs design games with accessibility in mind.

For those with disabilities these updates seem well worth a look, and as for that controller, I really wouldn't mind having a go on one myself. While it looks impressive from a design point of view, controllers designed to make gaming a more inclusive experience are a vital piece in the puzzle for wider gaming accessibility for all.

While it might be a pricey bit of kit, it's good to see lateral thinking and clever design applied in a way that might enable more players to enjoy games in comfort.

Andy built his first gaming PC at the tender age of 12, when IDE cables were a thing and high resolution wasn't—and he hasn't stopped since. Now working as a hardware writer for PC Gamer, Andy spends his time jumping around the world attending product launches and trade shows, all the while reviewing every bit of PC gaming hardware he can get his hands on. You name it, if it's interesting hardware he'll write words about it, with opinions and everything.