Pretorian Technologies, a United Kingdom-based assistive product company, launched the 'Flex Controller' for Nintendo Switch systems. This controller is quite similar to Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller in the sense that it is a rectangular panel with large, spaced-out buttons, and numerous expansion ports that connect to each button's input.
The Flex Controller benefits from its customization and ability to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility. The expansion ports connect to accessories such as Pretorian's Smoothie 75, a 75mm-wide circular button, or the Smoothie 125, a larger 125mm-wide button. For the joystick inputs, the device can connect to the Pretorian Ultra Joystick, a hand-sized standalone joystick.
It is important to note that the Flex Controller will also work with various third-party expansions, such as those from Hori, Real Arcade, and others, though the company does not guarantee compatibility with certain devices.
Image Credit: Pretorian Technologies
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Accessible Gaming Controllers
- The demand for accessible gaming controllers is growing as more people with disabilities want to enjoy playing video games.
- Personalized Gaming Devices
- Customizable controllers like the 'Flex Controller' have the potential to disrupt the gaming industry by accommodating individual needs and preferences.
- Expansion Ports
- The integration of expansion ports in gaming controllers opens up opportunities for third-party accessory companies to innovate and create new add-ons for gamers.
Where This Applies
- Assistive Technology
- The assistive technology industry can benefit from developing new and improved gaming controllers to meet the needs of people with disabilities who want to play video games.
- Video Game
- The video game industry could disrupt by creating more accessible games and investing in designing hardware suited for players with disabilities.
- Third-party Accessory
- Third-party accessory companies have the opportunity to innovate and create new add-ons for the expansion ports in customizable controllers like the 'Flex Controller'.
