The Proteus controller from ByoWave is a modular system of parts that allows you to create a customised controller. The kit has a range of modules included that can be combined to create different forms, allowing you to position buttons, analog sticks and triggers where they are most accessible and comfortable to use.
It uses a ‘snap to play’ system, which allows you to connect parts together and take them apart to try out different configurations.
As a licensed ‘made for Xbox’ product it works with an Xbox console (One, Series S/X) or Windows PC (10/11) using the included USB dongle. You connect one of the two power modules to the dongle by turning it on with the small power button on the module. The LEDs in the module will glow blue when it is synced and there is a connection.
If you add modules whilst synced to the dongle, the controller will go into an ‘AutoSync’ mode. This is shown by the rainbow colours of the LEDs. It will then return to blue, if the added module is connected and synced correctly. If any of your connected modules are not connected correctly, the LEDs will not go blue, so you should try physically reconnecting the module so that it is locked in correctly. Therefore, it could be best to connect one module at a time whilst you have the controller on and are synced to the dongle, to ensure each connection is correct and synced.
You can purchase an extra ‘Proteus Controller Dongle’, if you want to make a controller set-up in two separate parts. Using the two power modules in the kit, you can connect other controls, such as analog stick modules and/or buttons, to each of these. You can then connect each ‘half’ (ie each power module and its connected controls) to a dongle and then pair them to play as one player using the ‘Controller Assist’ feature (formerly ‘Copilot‘) in the Xbox Accessories App on Xbox or Windows 10/11.
If using the controller in a set-up which does not require a second Proteus controller dongle, you can pair the Proteus to another licensed Xbox controller, using Controller Assist. This could be a standard Xbox Controller or an Xbox Adaptive Controller (and connected peripherals), for example. Again, you do this within the Xbox Accessories App. Within the app, you can also remap the individual inputs on the controller, such as remapping the individual buttons, triggers or swapping the joysticks.
You can also remap inputs with the ‘ByoWave Controller App’ in a browser on PC. This is accessed via the ‘Community’ link on their website. When you connect your Proteus controller to your PC via USB to remap, it recognises your configuration and shows a 3D rendering of the controller you have created.
Within the ‘Controller Remapping section of this app, you can remap ‘north’ to reorient the direction of the analog sticks, as well as remap button and trigger inputs. You can also invert horizontal and/or vertical axes of the sticks and increase their dead zones.
Designs for controller configurations are shared online by the community via the app. These can be used to recreate set-ups that other players have found work for them, or as a starting point for ideas to then create your own bespoke layout.
Via the ByoWave website, you can also download accessories to 3D print. These currently include alternative analog stick tops, hand grips and a table stand. If you do not have access to a 3D printer, you can order the designs to be 3D printed and sent to you.
To find out more about the Proteus controller, you can visit the ByoWave website: https://byowave.com/
For information on other accessible gaming controllers, please use the ‘equipment‘ category on the GameAccess site.