Update: Microsoft has officially announced this new controller, we’ve embedded the introduction video below.
E3 is just under a month away from kicking off in Los Angeles, California and the leaks are just starting to roll in. As expected, all of the biggest names in the gaming industry will take stage and show off upcoming releases for the rest of the year.
This morning, Twitter user WalkingCat unearthed what appears to be a new accessibility-focused controller coming for Microsoft for Xbox One. It’s one of the more unique designs we’ve seen and reports seem to point to Microsoft unveiling it on June 10th in Los Angeles.
Microsoft has long been at the forefront of accessibility when it comes to gaming, so it’s no surprise that this leaked image continues that trend. This particular piece of hardware takes all of the necessary Xbox One buttons and puts it in a flat design.
At this time, there isn’t much in the way of details for what this controller may feature, but from the image we have a few takeaways. It clearly has to be larger than a traditional controller, mainly due to its significantly sized input buttons.
The left side of this white controller sports the d-pad, back, start and Xbox buttons. Across the top are various engraved shortcuts to important features such as settings and media. This would be particularly helpful for users that prefer touch controls as opposed to visual, which is a common feature of accessibility-focused controllers.
“Every single person on Team Xbox is working together to make gaming accessible, equitable, and sustainable for all,” Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox.
Our guess is that various modes can be programmed for different games, similar to an Xbox One Elite controller. There also appears to be a built-in USB port for charging, along with an integrated 3.5mm audio jack to be used with headsets and chat functionality.
In the meantime, we’ll have to wait and see until E3 starts in Los Angeles next month. In looking around at accessibility options available today, we see a rather gaping hole in this product category. Microsoft has long been at the forefront of developing forward-thinking ways to expand its user base. Just last year it was given the Helen Keller award for inclusion and annually gives out its own “Gaming For Everyone” honor at the ID@XBOX convention.
What are your thoughts on this leaked Xbox One controller? Let us know down in the comments below.
Source: Windows Central
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