In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming consoles, Xbox finds itself at a pivotal juncture, confronted with a myriad of challenges and opportunities. As a gamer, you may be curious about how Xbox intends to navigate these turbulent waters and chart a course toward success. The introduction of new Xbox models, including a sleek white Xbox […]
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Microsoft has always believed in giving gamers more options when we talk of accessories. This is true for the gaming controllers under the Xbox line, and we’ve seen plenty in the past. These include the Dune: Part Two, Deadpool Edition and the Remix Special Edition controller. Other unofficial options like the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla-themed controller and Do3D’s limited edition gamepads.
A more recent themed controller from Microsoft’s dedicated portal for experimentation, the Xbox Design Lab, really caught our attention for its translucent cool blue theme. Yes, I’m talking about the Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition. On the same lines, Microsoft has not revealed the Ghost Cipher Special Edition Xbox Wireless Controller.
Designer: Microsoft
The gamepad has a transparent outer shell to expose all the innards in their bare form and working dynamics. The craze for transparent and semi-transparent gadgets is slowly taking over the tech community and I love it to the core. The Ghost Cipher Special Edition gamepad contrasts the see-through aesthetics with, a silver interior, grey joystick, and bronze accents on the triggers and D-pad for a very futuristic appeal. The buttons and the Xbox logo in white add a sophisticated charm to the mix.
This clear design will lure millennials who’ve seen the era of translucent iMacs, as well as Gen-Z who are accustomed to Nothing’s transparent design language. Coming at $70, the special edition controller is up for pre-order with a release slated for October 8. Expanding the Cipher Series are two new chromatic D-pad and paddle metallic designs called Energy Chroma and Sunset Chroma which create a hypnotic gradient that shifts colors based on the angle of viewing.
That’s not it as Xbox Design Lab has crafted shells for Elite Series 2 as well. Carrying translucent aesthetics these faceplates – Ghost Cipher colorless, Velocity Cipher green, Candy Cipher pink, Pulse Cipher red, Astral Cipher purple and Surf Cipher teal contrast with black handles to pep up your controller’s look. You can mix and match the color of the buttons and triggers for complete freedom of customization.
According to the Design Lab, these controller mod kits draw inspiration from the “90s and early 2000s, the Cipher Series brings six stunning transparent top case designs. These vibrant, candy-colored top cases encapsulate the controller’s metallic frame, showcasing both its external beauty and the advanced engineering within the Elite Series 2 controller. These customizations for the Elite 2 controller start at $150 and give you complete freedom to facelift your controller.
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The Adaptive Controller was just the beginning – Microsoft aims at developing an entire suite of accessible devices for its gamer market. Aside from working alongside other independent controller brands to reveal new devices, Microsoft’s also announced the Adaptive Joystick, a controller that can be hand-held, positioned against your body, or even tripod-mounted, giving all gamers the ability to interface with their games in a manner that’s comfortable, yet responsive enough to give them the edge while gaming.
Designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility, this joystick aims to enhance the already extensive Xbox accessibility ecosystem. Unlike many controllers that rely on a standard form factor, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick breaks away by offering a unique blend of adaptability and modularity. The joystick is a wired companion for the Xbox Adaptive Controller, but it can also function independently, directly connecting to both Xbox consoles and PCs. The design focuses on user flexibility, with customizable buttons and a thumbstick that can be easily adjusted to suit different needs.
Designer: Microsoft
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick includes four programmable buttons, a thumbstick, and two additional buttons for bumper and trigger controls. One of the standout features is the option for users to 3D print thumbstick toppers, allowing them to modify the height, width, and overall feel of the joystick. As highlighted by Kaitlyn Jones, Xbox’s senior accessibility product manager, the design process involved extensive collaboration with the disabled community. Early prototypes were shared with this group for feedback, resulting in a product that addresses specific challenges faced by players with limited mobility.
Incorporating community feedback has been central to the development of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. During one session at a Seattle hospital, Microsoft engineers brought various prototypes, seeking input on aspects like grip size, button layout, and overall ergonomics. According to Chris Kujawski, a principal designer at Xbox, this iterative process ensured that the final product is not only functional but also intuitive for a wide range of users. The joystick’s versatility is further enhanced by its compatibility with the existing Xbox Adaptive Controller, allowing it to be part of a broader adaptive gaming setup.
Beyond just the joystick, Microsoft is working closely with other accessible hardware innovators. The Proteus controller, which has been refined and optimized for Xbox through this collaboration, showcases this commitment. Additionally, the 8BitDo Lite SE controller offers an alternative for those who require front-facing buttons in a familiar arcade-stick layout. This inclusive hardware ecosystem gives users options that go beyond the traditional controller experience, making gaming more accessible than ever before. As for Microsoft’s own Adaptive Joystick, it hits markets early next year, with a price tag of $29.99.
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Some might think of gamepads and game controllers simply as accessories, but just like keyboards and mice, their design can greatly affect the user’s enjoyment. It isn’t just about ergonomics and features, though those are definitely definitely critical elements to such a device. A controller’s appearance can also bring delight to the user, especially when it comes in a form that appeals to their aesthetic tastes or interests. That’s why there’s no shortage of controllers sporting designs from popular video game franchises, official or otherwise, or why Microsoft opened up an Xbox Design Lab to let gamers mix and match designs to their heart’s content. This new special edition Xbox Controller offers a more futuristic flavor that also cares for our planet’s future in its own small way.
Designer: Microsoft
There is no small amount of fascination with devices that have transparent shells. Although it only shows contemporary hardware and designs, it gives a window into those technological mysteries that make them feel a little futuristic. No group of people loves this aesthetic more than gamers, and the new Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition gives that feeling many will enjoy, at least if they’re fans of azure hues.
The controller might be blue, but it is far from looking sad. Unlike previous transparent Xbox controllers, Sky Cipher gives a complete and clear view of the device’s innards, at least from the front. Many of those internal parts are given a metallic silver sheen to make them really pop out and add to that futuristic flair. Unfortunately, the back of the controller is completely opaque, which is probably for the best since it has rubberized grips that would look unattractive on a transparent surface.
There are, of course, opaque parts in front as well, but this special edition manages to make them a bit more visually interesting. The triggers and D-Pad, in particular, have a metallic quality to them, which, alongside the silver internals, give the controller a more mechanical personality. It’s like a prop from some sci-fi show that would be used to control giant robots, ships, or drones. Presuming those machines of the future would have such a primitive mode of control, of course.
The Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition is forward-looking in more ways than one. It is the first of its kind to use more environment-friendly packaging, one that completely removes single-use plastics from the box. It even saves paper by ditching the manual for a QR code, since gamers are more likely to go for electronic and online documentation anyway. The controller itself is, of course, still made from plastic anyway, but Xbox is hopefully inching slowly towards a more sustainable design for the true futuristic vision.
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Just last week, Microsoft announced a limited-edition Deadpool-themed Xbox controller with a bright red design and a less-than-conventional ergonomic design, if you know what I mean. Let’s just say that biblically accurate controller had curves in all the right places, and was exactly as hilariously audacious as its inspiration, the merc with a mouth. The biggest problem was that the controller was limited to just 2 units, which would be gifted to the winner of a Twitter (or X) competition… and the second biggest was that there wasn’t a Wolverine controller to match. However, 3D artists at Do3D have solutions for both of those problems.
Meet the unofficial Wolverine Xbox Controller, complete with a yellow body and even three Adamantium claws appearing outward from behind the controller. Designed to pair perfectly with its Deadpool counterpart, this controller actually comes as a set of 3D files you can buy and 3D print on your own.
Designer: Do3D
The Wolverine-themed controller augments the controller’s body in a similar way to its Deadpool counterpart. An attachment fixes to the back, providing a themed take on the handheld unit. In Deadpool’s case, it was a rather cheeky little attachment… however, Wolverine’s controller has his signature back-of-the-fist with three Adamantium claws emerging from within. The attachment is purely cosmetic, and doesn’t affect the grip or gameplay at all. The controller’s body, on the other hand, comes with a diamond plate-inspired texture, along with the wolverine whisker pattern on the front in black.
The controller isn’t available as is, but Do3D is selling detailed 3D files for those looking to print the parts. Once printed (and painted), you can simply disassemble the outer plastic housing of your existing Xbox controller and replace it with this one, provided the print is 100% accurate and without any errors or flaws. We recommend going for ABS, known for its durability… but a PLA filament should work just as well too. You may have to do some additional spray-painting work to make the controller look exactly as shown in the renders here.
The best part is that Do3D is even selling an unofficial version of Microsoft’s Deadpool controller, which you can similarly buy and 3D print. Both the Deadpool and Wolverine controllers can be used with or without their magnetic attachments, and while individual files cost $19, you can buy the combo for just $29 on Do3D’s website and print as many controllers as your heart desires.
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Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be disappointed to learn that Microsoft has announced significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, including price increases and the introduction of a new subscription tier. These changes will take effect starting on September 12, 2024, for existing members and is already in effect for new members. The […]
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Microsoft and the Xbox team have announced an exciting collaboration with Amazon, allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in over 25 countries to play games directly from the Xbox app on select Fire TV devices via cloud gaming. This partnership offers gamers even more flexibility and convenience in how they enjoy their favorite titles. Key […]
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Microsoft has announced the launch of three new Xbox Series X|S consoles set to hit the market in holiday 2024. The new lineup includes the Xbox Series S – 1TB in Robot White, Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition in Robot White, and the Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition. These […]
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MOZA Racing is looking to take console racing to the next level with the new MOZA Racing R3 Wheel and Pedals. Over the past decade, Xbox racing simulation has undergone a remarkable transformation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual driving experiences. From enhanced graphics and realistic physics to immersive force feedback systems, gamers […]
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It’s about time that gaming companies and studios realize that there are people who would love to play their games and use their consoles but are hindered because of one physical disability or another. Accessibility has only recently been an advertised feature of games and gaming hardware, and it might take a while before it actually becomes a standard in the industry. Thankfully, major companies are leading the accessibility charge, giving birth to accessibility devices that may look weird but give all gamers, even those perfectly capable ones, incredible powers to enjoy games the way they want them. Take for example this newly announced Xbox-certified accessibility controller that almost looks like a small alien swarm thanks to its modular design.
Designer: ByoWave
For gamers with physical disabilities that relate to their hands or fine motor control, the typical game controller or keyboard, despite their ergonomic designs, is sometimes impossible to use. Thankfully, there has been an increased interest in developing more accessible control devices, spearheaded by the Xbox Adaptive Controller in 2018 and followed by the Sony Access Controller, previously dubbed “Project Leonardo,” last year. Of course, there are more than just two ways to design for accessibility, and ByoWave’s Proteus Controller is just the latest to turn heads with its unconventional mechanism and innovative idea.
In a nutshell, the Proteus Controller is made up of small, rounded cubes with some faces that can be changed to be a button, a D-Pad, a joystick, and more. These cubes can then connect to each other to form different shapes that cater to the needs of the gamer. It can, for example, be a single, curving stack that you can hold like a joystick, a 2×2 grid that you can mash like arcade buttons on a table, or even a conventional gamepad layout with the right accessories and connectors. It can support over a hundred such configurations and LED lighting combinations, letting the user decide how they want to play depending on their circumstances.
Of course, the controller is primarily designed to address the needs of gamers with disabilities, but it’s not hard to see how this will be popular with almost any gamer, especially those on the Xbox platform. The sheer number of options and combinations is mind-blowing, and some might even just make new controller designs just for the fun of it. It’s a clear example of how accessible design actually benefits everyone, and gamers will probably be excited for the arrival of the Proteus accessibility controller in the fall, especially given its starting price of $299.
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