Blind box controllers? Meet the PixelByte line

We’ve seen plenty of blind box toys, but blind box controllers? That’s just what’s on tap for PixelByte, from Hyperkin’s Drakong line.

PixelByte melds two collector worlds

Who doesn’t know what a blind box is? Well, if you’re one of the few who’ve yet to encounter the theme, it’s pretty simple. Namely, blind boxes are toy or collectibles which feature packaging that consumers can’t see into, and with general imagery on them.

The idea, of course, is that fans don’t know what they’re going to find included in said boxes, so it’s a surprise. Over recent years, more than a few companies have made use of the gimmick, and seemingly to great effect since the trend is a fairly solid mainstay on retail shelves.

What we haven’t seen yet, are blind boxes making their way into the gaming space. Hang on though, because that’s just what Hyperkin‘s Drakong brand is cooking up. And that little fact brings us to the debut of the PixelByte Controller.

PixelByte Controllers are indeed blind boxed, serving up “a new range of highly collectible, fully-functional controllers”. They’re small form-factor units, designed to look like pixelated, 16bit-style pads, emblazoned with imagery pulled from pop cultural touchstones.

Pixelbyte‘s Attack on Titan series has so far been revealed, which you can check out in the video below.

Tiny in size, huge on fun, the PixelByte Controller range offers a fully-functional gamepad that’s small enough to go where you go, and thanks to its integrated key-chain, the PixelByte can attach to your belt loop, bag, purse, or practically anything, ideal for travel or for fans who thrive on Blindbox collecting. Impossibly small and equally as adorable, the PixelByte range will be available in multiple series of collectible designs (coming soon), featuring some of the world’s best-loved licenses, themes and IP’s.

From anime, to snacks, games to TV shows, fans will never know what’s next with this landmark range of collectible hardware from Drakong.

The first series of PixelByte Controllers launches with the incredible Attack on Titan™ range, and with pre-orders starting today, you won’t have long to wait! A series of seven fully licensed designs, based on the fan-favorite anime, lovers of the show will want to collect them all!

Drakong press release

Fully-functional

PixelByte Controllers feature Bluetooth functionality and are compatible with iOS, Android, Linux, and PC platforms, plus the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 “and more”. And while these guys might be small, they’re anything but limited.

According to Drakong, the pads feature a turbo mode, as well as changeable orientation on their face, bumper, and trigger buttons. On top of that, users can also switch up the d-pad to replicate a left thumb stick. We’re not sure how that might work, but it sounds pretty cool.

Then there’s the alt-mode, where owners can flip into Productivity Mode. Once swapped, the PixelByte Controllers can be used as “a hybrid mouse/keyboard controller”. Yes, really. Drakong says that the tiny pads can “scroll through presentation slides, take a photo remotely on your phone, access hot keys on your PC, the list of possibilities is as endless as your imagination.”

“The PixelByte Controller is a new concept in collectible hardware from Drakong, the first in the world to be sold under a traditional Blindbox format. Designed for collectors, gamers and everyone who values instant gaming on the go, the PixelByte packs a serious punch into an impressively small size. Working with some of the most beloved franchises and IP’s in the world, we can’t wait to show gamers what’s in store for the range, with every design featuring exciting looks, quality hardware, and genuine fun.”

Slade Dude Suzuki, Lead Product Developer for Drakong

Pre-orders are open now for the Attack on Titan range of PixelByte Controllers, via both Hyperkin’s online shop and Amazon. They’re priced in at $24.99 USD each.