The Nexus Ultimate Prop Controller

PRE-ORDER NOW: Shipping will begin late April '26

The Nexus Ultimate Prop Controller is the heart of the Nexus Prop Controller System: a local-first, no-code configurable prop control platform designed for immersive experiences of all kinds. It is built to give creators the freedom to design exactly the interaction they want without being limited by rigid hardware layouts or fixed-purpose firmware.

The board supports an open modular hardware structure, allowing you to attach compatible modules in whatever combination your project needs. Rather than forcing you into one predetermined configuration, the controller can be expanded for digital inputs and outputs, analog sensing, RFID, relay control, lighting, sound, motion, displays, and more. This makes it equally suitable for compact single-purpose props and larger multi-function installations.

Configuration is handled through the onboard web interface, with guided setup tools, operator controls, and advanced configuration pages for deeper system behavior. You can create complex interactive logic without writing code, including state-based behavior, transitions, timed events, conditions, variable-driven actions, delayed responses, and sequenced outputs. The system supports gesture-style triggers such as short press, double tap, long press, and hold, along with RFID-based events, analog thresholds, rule-driven actions, and multi-step interaction flows.

Core capabilities

• No-code browser-based configuration

• Local-first operation with no cloud required for runtime...or ever

• Configuration persistence with restore after reboot

• Stateful logic engine with transitions, timers, conditions, and variables

• Action sequencing and delayed action handling

• Local API access for control, status, diagnostics, and configuration

• Over-the-air update support

• Easily discover and manage your entire fleet with our simple management app

Supported hardware and modules

• Digital inputs and outputs

• Analog inputs and analog trigger mapping

• I2C expanders

• Analog multiplexing

• RFID support including multi-reader setups

• Relay outputs

• NeoPixel / addressable lighting outputs

• Servo control and animation

• Motor and linear actuator control

• DMX output

• Audio playback modules

• LCD Display modules

• Color sensor support

• Peripheral expansion over supported module paths

Logic and automation features

• Stateful logic modes

• Trigger and condition-based actions

• Timers and delayed events

• Variable-driven behavior

• Sequenced output jobs

• Multi-stage puzzle and interaction design

• Rule-based automation

• Reboot recovery and restored runtime behavior where applicable

Lighting and effects

The lighting engine supports both practical and atmospheric use cases with flexible effect control and grouping tools. Available capabilities include:

• DMX fixture profiles for intelligent lighting controls

• Scene, chase and effect workflows

• 1D and 2D pixel mapping and layout control
  
• Complete pixel effect engine including looping or one-shot playback

Integration options

The Nexus Prop Controller is designed to work well on its own or as part of a larger connected system. Supported integration paths include:

• MQTT

• HTTP GET/POST integrations

• Modbus TCP

• OSC

• Hue / BrightSign hooks

• local API control

• UDP-based discovery

• mDNS hostname discovery

• OTA update workflows

This board is ideal for creators who want one controller platform that can be reused across many different prop types while still offering professional-level control, expandability, and integration depth.