Hong Kong-based gaming hardware company 8BitDo has announced that it is launching the 8BitDo Lite SE, a Bluetooth controller specifically designed to make gaming more accessible for gamers with limited mobility.
The controller was made possible by a collaboration between 8bitdo and Andreas Carlsen to help their son Oscar, who has spinal muscular atrophy type 2 (SMA2), a rare neuromuscular disorder that affects the nerves that control motor neurons. affects cells. In other words, the disorder does not allow him to stand or walk independently, so he uses a wheelchair as a means to navigate the world around him. It also makes it difficult to play video games with regular controllers, so Andreas reached out to 8bitdo, which helped the father-son duo test out various prototype controllers before settling on the Lite SE design shown in the video below. helped.
The Lite SE controller took what the Xbox Adaptive Controller had and scaled it down to the size of the iPhone SE. Instead of DJ turntable-esque gamepads, the compact controller still has analog sticks, but that’s compensated for with individual buttons each on the face. The L2 and R2 buttons that are usually mounted on the shoulders of a regular controller are placed above the D-Pad and letter buttons, respectively. The L3 and R3 triggers, which are normally activated by pressing down on analog sticks, also have their own special buttons just above the analog sticks, making them easier to press with less physical resistance and greater sensitivity.
One thing the Lite SE controller has in common with the Xbox Adaptive Controller is the non-slip rubber mat, which allows players to place the controller on a flat surface, like a table or tray, so that it slides off if they press on it. Does not happen. Button too hard. Mats can be removed if they intend to hold the controller in their hands the entire time.
Despite its earlier size than the iPhone SE, the Lite SE controller is only compatible with Nintendo Switch and Android devices. It’s available for pre-order for $35, and is expected to ship on July 15.
Editors’ Recommendations