A Microsoft xCloud Adaptive Controller that brings mobile cloud-gaming to the specially-abled

Something tells me we’re a mere announcement away from Microsoft’s cloud gaming service – Project xCloud, and it only makes sense that when the announcement drops, Microsoft does its bit to make sure everyone has access to it, regardless of their location, and their abilities. The Adaptive Controller concept for xCloud takes Microsoft’s special-needs controller and gives it a couple of tweaks to make it ready for cloud-based mobile gaming. Fundamentally, the xCloud Adaptive Controller is the same as its predecessor, but with a few upgrades that make it mobile-ready, so the specially-abled can reap the benefits of the upcoming Project xCloud!

What’s visibly different about the xCloud Adaptive Controller is its acid-green device-docking station that lets you rest anything from a phone to a tablet (without having it tip over or slip, thanks to the use of high-grip rubber). Built with WiFi connectivity, the controller works as any wireless one would, allowing you to play games on mobile devices as well as with the Xbox console connected to a television. The xCloud Adaptive controller also houses an in-built battery, large enough for it to power the controller as well work as an external power source for you smartphone or tablet (so you can game for longer), along with the multiple USB and 3.5mm ports designed to plug in external buttons and pads, and even a pair of headphones.

Designer: Sarang Sheth

The Microsoft xCloud Adaptive Controller is a piece of fan-made conceptual work and isn’t affiliated with the Microsoft brand.

Your desktop, console, and mobile games all in one place… that’s the vision behind the LUDI controller

The LUDI is an incredibly ambitious concept that could easily be every gamer’s wet dream. Imagine having one console to rule every gaming platform. Your Google Stadia games, Apple Arcade games, Microsoft xCloud games, Steam games, all in one device. LUDI is a handheld controller that docks your phone into it, turning it into a renegade Nintendo Switch, but with the capability to work across platforms. The device comes with an aesthetic that’s comfortable to look at an even more comfortable to hold, with all the controllers you could possibly need, from a D-pad, dual analog sticks, XYAB buttons, and two shoulder buttons on each side. LUDI’s independence makes it work across platforms, compatible with both Android and Apple phones, while its internal slider allows it to expand to fit XL phones too. It comes with its own audio-unit, with speaker grilles on the back to give you rich gameplay audio, and even packs a large battery pack and wireless charger that keeps your phone powered for longer while you’re gaming, because the last thing you need is a low battery notification while you’re in the middle of an intense, nail-biting battle with the enemy, am I right??

Designer: Antoine Beynel (miio studio)

Xbox Cloud’s controllers attach to your phone for a handheld Xbox-gameplay experience!

Thanks to a couple of patents we’ve found online, it’s pretty certain that Microsoft isn’t just taking on Google’s Stadia with its own cloud-based gaming service, but is also going gung-ho into the hardware side of things too, with detachable controllers you can clip to your phone for the most portable Xbox experience ever imagined!

Based on patented designs, these conceptual Xbox Cloud controllers give us an idea of what the real thing would feel like. Two controller-halves clip onto either side of the phone, turning it into a handheld gaming console, complete with everything you need to play Xbox’s signature titles. The controllers come in a variety of colors, just like the original Xbox ones, and feature all the keys, buttons, and joysticks, including BOTH the left and right triggers on the top!

Designed for immersive landscape gaming, the controllers come with two flippers that hold your phone gently but securely from the sides, while memory-foam pads make sure they don’t press any buttons. These side flippers are ideal for phones with no bezel, because this makes sure the controllers don’t overlap the screen from the left or right. Both halves of the controllers connect to your phone via Wi-Fi to deliver a seamless gaming experience that’s absolutely lag-free. They even come with their own speaker units that deliver gameplay audio in stereo… but if you’re the kind to rely on headsets, fear not! The Xbox Cloud controllers have their own headphone jack too, with support for wireless headsets and earphones as well! Delivering enough charge for a nice long gaming session, the Xbox Cloud controllers have their own independent batteries (accessible and switchable from the panels below) and charge by docking into a special cloud-controller charger too. What a great time to be alive!

Designer/Visualizer: Sarang Sheth

Patent File via Microsoft Technology Licencing, LLC.