Zwift, the popular virtual cycling program, is taking fitness gamification to the next level with the launch of its first dedicated controller called the Zwift Play. Reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons, the Zwift Play controller consists of two separate pieces, each equipped with its own set of buttons, offering users enhanced interactivity while cycling in the virtual world.
The left half of the Zwift Play features a direction pad, allowing users to navigate on-screen menus and make select turns within the virtual environment. On the right half, face buttons enable users to select menu options and activate in-game abilities, such as teleporting “to Pace Groups” and more. Additionally, both halves of the controller have paddles at the back, with pushing them in serving as brakes and pulling them assisting with steering.
The Zwift Play controller requires two Bluetooth connections, one for each half, and boasts a battery life of approximately 20 hours of ride time. It comes with a split-end USB cable for simultaneous charging of both pieces. The controller can be attached to any exercise bike using silicone straps, as long as the bike has drop handlebars and does not possess any unique configurations that may hinder proper placement.
Accompanying the controller’s launch, Zwift also unveiled its new Beta Zwift Play Game Experience, offering users a virtual environment to test the functionality of the device. Within this experience, users can explore a cycling course, trying out features such as the rear braking paddles and the ability shortcuts on the face buttons.
The Zwift Play controller is currently available for purchase on the company’s website at a promotional price of $99/£99/€99 for a limited time until the Zwift Play Game Experience exits the beta phase. Afterward, the price will increase to $149/£149/€149.
While the official release date for the virtual world has yet to be confirmed, Zwift is focusing on refining exercise modes and gathering user feedback to enhance the overall experience. While inquiries have been made about expanding the availability of Zwift Play to other regions like Australia, the company is currently exploring options but has no immediate plans to expand beyond the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union.
With the introduction of the Zwift Play controller and its immersive features, Zwift aims to provide a more engaging and interactive virtual cycling experience, merging the worlds of fitness and gaming.
