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.

The post Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Joystick Comes With An Open-Source Design To Support 3D-Printed Parts first appeared on Yanko Design.

We live in a three-dimensional world and see in three dimensions, and yet the computers and mobile devices we use every day are confined to flat, 2D space. Mixed reality and spatial computing are trying to bridge that gap, but they still project flat virtual objects in the real world and, more importantly, require wearing goggles or headsets. In fact, most stereoscopic 3D experiences require some sort of eyewear, at the very least glasses that guide images to the correct eye. That is until monitor makers have gotten smarter and have started to implement 3D displays that don’t need glasses to work, like the new Samsung Odyssey 3D shown off at Gamescom 2024 this week.

Designer: Samsung

Our eyes see in 3D because they can view objects at two different angles due to the space between them. Stereoscopic 3D tries to mimic our innate binocular vision by projecting two different images, shifted slightly at an angle, which are then sent to the right or left eye as necessary. This re-direction requires polarizing filters to work, which is why people have to wear glasses when watching 3D movies. Impressive as the experience might be, it’s definitely inconvenient, especially for those that wear prescription glasses, and can’t be used for general-purpose computing, until now.

Image courtesy of SamMobile

The Samsung Odyssey 3D is the latest in a new breed of computer monitors that promise this same stereoscopic 3D experience without having to put anything in front of your eyes. The monitor has built-in stereo cameras that track the movement and position of each eye. View mapping creates two sets of images which are then displayed separately to each eye thanks to a lenticular lens on the front panel. It creates the same effect of seeing floating 3D images but without the hassle of glasses or headsets.

The monitor is primarily targeted at gamers, which is why it boasts features like 4K resolution, a fast 1m gray-to-gray response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate. Of course, the need to see 3D images as they truly are isn’t just limited to entertainment, since those creating assets for these games will also want to check if they’re 3D models are displaying correctly. Monitors like the Samsung Odyssey 3D will eventually become an invaluable tool for designers, artists, and content creators who might want to work in 3D space right from the start.

Of course, this glasses-free 3D monitor also functions as a 2D monitor, and you can seamlessly switch from one mode to another, depending on your use case. It also features an ergonomic Height Adjustment Stand, tilt capabilities, as well as HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connectivity. Samsung hasn’t disclosed when the Samsung Odyssey 3D will launch and at what cost, but considering this monitor was first teased back in January at CES 2024, it probably shouldn’t be long now.

The post Samsung Odyssey 3D offers a glasses-free 3D experience for gamers and creators first appeared on Yanko Design.

What is old is new again, or at least that’s the slogan for this wave of nostalgia trips washing over multiple industries today. Vinyl is selling again, Polaroid is now spelled “INSTAX,” and consoles that were famous before you were born are landing on shelves in miniature form. Interestingly enough, these retro designs prove just how powerful and lucrative nostalgia can be, especially if you can spin it in a way that makes sense in the present and for the foreseeable future. This recreation of one of Atari’s lesser-known home consoles, for example, doesn’t just pay homage to the past but actually supports the games of that era while also embracing titles that were made in the present for this decades-old platform.

Designer: Atari

Unlike its successful predecessor, the Atari 2600, the Atari 7800 from 1986 just came at the wrong time, just after the video game crash of 1983 and on the same year that the Nintendo Entertainment System, a.k.a. the Nintendo Famicom, launched. Regardless, the home console, which supported Atari 2600 cartridges to fill up its library, managed to make it into the annals of video game history, a chapter that Atari is now trying to revive in an interesting way.

The Atari 7800+, like many retro recreations, is a smaller version of the original, designed to better fit today’s standard housing situation. It sticks closely to the shape and aesthetics of the 7800, down to the color spectrum strip that was the hallmark of the European version of the machine. It supports HDMI out and displaying games in the original 4:3 aspect ratio or switching to widescreen for modern monitors. Rather than coming with pre-installed games like other retro consoles that simply use emulators, the 7800+ offers an almost exact replica of the original to the point that you can run both 2600 and 7800 cartridges, presuming you have those lying around.

That’s not exactly a large selection of titles, so the Atari 7800+ also supports third-party Atari games as well. The company takes it even further and actually supports the official adaptation of some of these games sold as 7800+ cartridges. That includes Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, a homebrew Atari game developed in 2014 as an unofficial successor to the 80s Crystal Quest. This is the only cartridge that comes with the package, and the other nine titles will be sold separately at $29.99 a pop.

The Atari 7800+ also comes with the CX78+ controller, a wireless remake of the radical two-button control that Atari introduced with the 7800. There’s also a CX40+ wireless joystick available for purchase if you prefer to play that way. Both controllers are compatible with the original 2600 and 7800 and can also be hooked up to any PC via the USB receiver. The Atari 7800+ is available for pre-order now for $129.99 but won’t ship until Winter this year.

The post Atari 7800+ is a retro mini console that looks forward and backward first appeared on Yanko Design.

Handheld gaming consoles are rocking the market again, in no small part thanks to the success of the Nintendo Switch nearly eight years ago. But for all the technological marvels these powerful computers bring today, they’re really just rehashing time-tested formulas, at least when it comes to the way we see and interact with games. Just like with much of computing, we’re simply seeing images rendered on a flat screen rather than the way we naturally see and interact with the world in three dimensions. Mixed reality and spatial computing are trying to challenge the status quote when it comes to typical computing scenarios, while this concept for a unique kind of console proposes a literally different perspective when it comes to the video games we play.

Designers: Tatsuya Kato, Shion Ito, Toshikatsu Nakamura, Toshiki Sato

Uplight definitely looks like no other gaming console, not just because of the different controller configuration but primarily for the lack of a screen. The design concept flips the convention of game design, with the experience being designed to conform to the unique traits of the console rather than the other way around. In this case, the unique characteristic is a projector hidden in the base of the console that displays the game on three-dimensional acrylic screens that can take on different object shapes specific to the nature of the game.

Think about those 3D puzzle games that require you to rotate a cube around to see it from different sides to solve the puzzle, except that cube is a literal and physical cube existing in the real world. This cube, made from translucent acrylic, is mounted on top of the Uplight console and displays the game projected into it. Players can use the console’s unusual controls to move the displayed image around or, better yet, use their own hands to actually turn the cube.

The 3D acrylic screen can be any shape, in theory, depending on the game experience being designed. It could, for example, be a giant translucent jellyfish for an aquatic adventure game, or even a tree branch for a game related to planting or vegetation. The possibilities are nearly endless, limited only by the angle that the integrated projector can reach and, of course, the size of the console.

That said, such a unique system will require games specifically designed for it, which also means designing new experiences that involve three-dimensional thinking as well as direct tactile interaction. Very few of today’s games have that, which will definitely challenge the creativity and ingenuity of game designers should Uplight ever become an actual commercial product.

The post Uplight game console concept with an interactive 3D screen changes the way you play first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gaming PCs have a notoriety for being big, hulking, and kaleidoscopic machines, though that seems to be only true for desktops these days. Gaming laptops are becoming slimmer, gaming mini PCs have started popping up, and let’s not forget the growing number of handheld PCs designed specifically for gaming purposes. Suffice it to say, the design of gaming PCs is undergoing a shift, transforming from cyberpunk monstrosities to sleek art objects. Of course, design tastes differ, and even the current PlayStation 5’s smooth curves and trophy-like appearance didn’t sit well with everyone. This new MINISFORUM “mini” gaming desktop PC follows in those footsteps and looks like something that is a cross between a very straight and tall PS5 and a gaming laptop that had its screen removed.

Designer: MINISFORUM

It’s hard to call the AtomMan G7 Ti a “mini PC” the way it stands over 15 inches tall, but it won’t take up too much desk space compared to a regular tower thanks to its super-slim 1.3-inch profile. The gaming computer is what you’d get if you took a gaming laptop and stood it on its side, which is practically what this gaming rig really is, except that it needs to be plugged into a monitor and power source, cementing not only its “feet” but also its image as a desktop computer.

Inside, it’s powered by a Core i9 14900HX, not the AI-toting “Ultra” variant, that’s paired with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 of the mobile laptop kind. If that doesn’t scream “laptop computer,” then may the two thin fans situated on only one side of the chassis will. There might be some arguments that a gaming desktop will need more cooling than that, but gaming laptops have definitely survived with just as much. This demonstrates the sort of cognitive confusion on whether this computer is really a desktop or a laptop in disguise.

It definitely offers many things you’d only find in desktop computers, like support for up to 96GB of RAM and a plethora of ports for connecting almost anything imaginable. The latter is important since you can’t really use it on its own and will need to connect peripherals like, well, a monitor. On the other hand, some gamers might be on the fence about its actual performance, considering the constrained hardware and cooling.

The MINISFORUM AtomMan G7 Ti is definitely going to be an acquired taste, especially with a design that looks more like a classy desktop than a gaming rig. It does have some RGB lighting, but only on the front and limited to a string of LED “arrows.” Pricing and availability details remain undisclosed, but it’s definitely an interesting take on your typical gaming desktop computer, one that prioritizes appearances and space efficiency over raw power.

The post MINISFORUM AtomMan G7 Ti is a gaming laptop without a screen standing like a PS5 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nintendo Game Boy is one of the bestselling consoles of all time, owing to its competitive pricing and gamer-friendly features. Right from the original version to the consequent variants released in the 90s, the handheld gaming console has been popular across generations and inspired similar designs all these years.

While Nintendo has no plans to release a Game Boy version in the future, a concept design puts the handheld right in the realms of ultra-advanced gaming accessories. The gaming handheld visualized here solves your gaming needs indoors and outdoors sans any restrictions on whether you prefer playing it on the native small screen or the bigger one.

Designer: LFD Official

That’s possible with an integrated mini projector that can be taken right off the back of the handheld and positioned to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or anything with a plain surface. This detachable projector module seamlessly switches the gameplay output, so you can enjoy games on the big canvas anytime. The transparent aesthetics of the handheld are inspired by the clear transparent version dubbed Game Boy Bros. released in 1995.

The display is much bigger, using most of the screen real estate with minimal bezels. Right below it are the gamepad controls that are much bigger and more tactile for improved gameplay and ergonomics. The tiny hardware of the gadget is enclosed in a transparent polycarbonate housing protected by the gorilla glass layer. To make this modern Nintendo handheld stand out, the designer envisions it in cool color options – Flame Scarlet, Greenery, Ultra Violet and Blue Grotto.

The back panel of the handheld holds the detachable projector in place and adjacent is the speaker to enjoy multimedia content and favorite games on the go. The UI of the gadget is heavily influenced by the Game Boy cartridge and the pixelated Gill Sans font evokes the neo-retro feel.

The post Transparent Game Boy with detachable projector promises uninterrupted gaming on the big screen first appeared on Yanko Design.

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.

The post Xbox Sky Cipher Transparent Controller brings a touch of sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

Astro Bot, the Mario-like adventure game for PS5, developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and team Asobi, is all set to arrive on September 6. On the same day debuts, the limited-edition Astro Bot controller, based on the reliable DualSense controller by Sony. The lively peripheral will cost a bit more than the normal wireless DualSense version, but it does come with some perks that’ll excite gamers.

The pint-sized robot featured in the game has become a modern-day PlayStation mascot, and to have a controller that blinks its googly eyes is exciting for fans. This limited edition Astro Bot PS5 DualSense gamepad is priced at $80 and will be available for pre-orders from August 9 at PlayStation Direct in the US and UK at select retailers.

Designer: Sony

This special gamepad is unsurprising as Sony has previously launched themed controllers including the limited edition PlayStation 5 Spider-Man Miles Morales console. According to the Japanese consumer electronics giant, the themed wireless controller “is a work of art” and we can see why. The touchpad has robotic blue eyes that seem like blinking, while the handles and buttons have signature blue hues.

Another interesting thing is the number of textures (like grass, metal, sand, water, or glass) that the player feels through the haptic feedback. The adaptive trigger response further enhances the overall experience. Things like the feeling of the thruster rattle when the Barkster bulldog jetpack is deployed, the power-ups going through your fingers, or the impacts of the one-on-one battles in the boss fights. This Dual Speeder gadget can be felt as the motion-controlled input for the spaceship too.

The sensory feeling is matched with the sound effects for a complete experience of the upcoming title. The blue accents on the handles and buttons are carved in a sci-fi theme which makes owning this controller special. If you too love Astro Bot, it’ll be a wise decision to hit the pre-order button when the floodgates open. For those who already own the standard DualSense version, it would make more sense to go for the feature-loaded DualSense Edge controller.

The post Sony Astro Bot-Edition PS5 Dual Sense controller is a livened-up peripheral with Googly Eyes first appeared on Yanko Design.

While most USB-C hubs go as far as providing a place to wirelessly charge your phone or TWS earbuds, the new Docking Station from JSAUX is more gamer-focused. Designed specifically for handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go, this docking station gives you the advantage of connectivity as well as a nifty place to rest your gaming gadget while it charges.

Designer: JSAUX

Unlike previous JSAUX Docking Stations, the new 6-in-1 variant features a detachable console stand. This allows users to switch between two configurations: a docked mode for connecting the handheld to a monitor and wired peripherals, and a standalone mode for using the stand on its own. This flexibility caters to gamers who want a dedicated desk setup but also appreciate portability for on-the-go sessions.

USB hubs are a dime a dozen, but this one’s design is one of its highlights. It comes with a two-part form factor – the hub itself, with all the ports, and a base that holds the console. The hub plugs into the base, effectively becoming a backrest for your console (which is great because the console invariably ends up hiding your cables and clutter), but when you need to travel, detach them and slip them into your backpack and they aren’t as space-consuming as when assembled together.

A USB-C port with 100W Power Delivery ensures your handheld console is always charged and ready for action. For those who rely on a wired internet connection for online gaming, a Gigabit Ethernet port provides a stable and high-speed link. Additionally, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports offer ample connectivity for peripherals like keyboards, mice, or external storage drives.

But perhaps the most impressive feature is the HDMI port. Capable of outputting stunning 4K visuals at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, this port elevates the handheld gaming experience to a whole new level. Connect your console to a compatible monitor or TV, and enjoy your games in breathtaking detail.

As of now, the 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station is available for purchase directly from the JSAUX website. While specific pricing details are currently unavailable, considering the previous model’s competitive price point of $31.99 on Amazon, it’s reasonable to anticipate a similarly attractive price tag for this new and improved version.

The post JSAUX 6-in-1 USB Hub also doubles as a Charging Dock for your Handheld Game Console first appeared on Yanko Design.

Arguably, the Wii was one of Nintendo’s oddest yet most successful gaming consoles, mostly thanks to the novelty and ingenuity of its “Wiimote” controller, the ancestor of today’s Joy-cons for the Switch. Like any other Nintendo gaming machine, it had a number of titles under its belt, including a few notable exclusives that took advantage of that unique controller design. Of course, its time has long passed, and the Wii is nothing more than a footnote in video gaming history, or so it would seem. It’s unsurprising to hear that it is now the subject of no small amount of mods and DIY projects that try to give the historic console a different flavor, and one of the oddest and most adorable is probably this perfectly named “Kawaii” mod that shrinks the book-sized machine down to portable keychain.

Designers: WeskMods, Mackie Kannard-Smith (Yveltal)

Despite its odd controller, the Wii itself wasn’t exactly that distinctive in terms of its design. It came as a rather plain, compact box that had just enough room for important hardware, which included a cooling fan and an optical disc reader. Remove these two, however, and you can probably cram the console into a tiny box, or at least most of it. That’s exactly what the Kawaii project did, a play on the Japanese word for “cute” and the Wii name, turning the large boxy console into a cute keychain accessory.

Kawaii is only 60mm x 60mm big and 16mm tall, not that much larger than keyfobs. Its body is CNC machined from aluminum and has these wavy fins on one side that do more than make the small box look eye-catching. They also function as a passive cooling system since the Kawaii doesn’t have room for any fan of any size at all. Obviously, there’s no space for an optical disc reader either, but that’s not the only thing missing from this tiny console.

It doesn’t have any direct power source or any ports for that matter, leaving it pretty barebones save for the main board that runs the whole show. To actually make it useful, you have to connect it to a dock via pogo pins, and then you’ll have power, video out, and USB ports for controllers. The dock itself is just a little larger than the keychain console, but it’s still a portable setup, presuming you have a way to power it up or connect it to a display.

Sadly, the adorable Kawaii won’t fulfill your dreams of playing Wii games on the go, at least not the ones that need a disc or use a Wiimote, since there’s no Bluetooth connectivity in there either. That leaves you mostly with downloaded games that work fine with a USB controller, and there’s not much of those going around at this point. Still, it looks like an interesting journey to design a cool-looking console you can hang your keys on, one that preserves the spirit of novelty and playfulness of the Wii, even if it doesn’t exactly have its defining features.

The post Nintendo Wii mod transforms the iconic console into a cute keychain first appeared on Yanko Design.