Xbox Reveals New Adaptive Joystick

by

Xbox Reveals New Adaptive Joystick

Highlights

  • Xbox unveils a new adaptive joystick controller with customizable inputs for an accessible gaming experience.
  • The Xbox Adaptive Joystick can also use alternative thumbstick toppers for increased accessibility.
  • The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is expected to launch in early 2025 for $29.99.

As a seasoned gamer with a diverse range of experiences under my belt, I must say that the recent announcement by Xbox about their Adaptive Joystick Controller has filled me with immense joy and admiration. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of gaming alongside friends from all walks of life, each with unique abilities and challenges. It’s heartening to see a giant in the industry like Microsoft taking such significant strides towards making gaming more accessible for everyone.

Microsoft has introduced a novel adaptive joystick controller, expanding accessibility features within gaming. With an increasing number of individuals engaging in video game play, developers have become more mindful by incorporating accommodations to cater to gamers who might otherwise find it challenging to enjoy games on Xbox or other platforms. This includes custom color filters for colorblind players, auto-descriptions and screen readers for visual content like cutscenes and text, as well as extra subtitles and captions for those who are hearing impaired.

Additionally, there are specialized controllers designed for individuals who may find it challenging to use the standard Xbox Wireless controller or PlayStation DualSense. The PlayStation Access Controller, unveiled last December, is a prime example of this. It offers various button and joystick arrangements to cater to diverse playstyles. Previously, Xbox introduced its Adaptive Controller, launched some years ago, which boasts two large, customizable buttons and the ability to be connected with numerous joysticks, buttons, and switches.

Microsoft’s latest innovation, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, has been unveiled, offering another choice for controllers. This single-hand device was developed alongside experts in accessibility and players with disabilities. It includes a standard thumbstick, four front buttons, and additional buttons mimicking a regular controller’s bumpers and triggers. All inputs can be tailored to the user’s preferences. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick can connect to the existing Xbox Adaptive Controller or other compatible controllers for enhanced usability. Expected to hit shelves in early 2025, it will retail at $29.99 exclusively from the Microsoft Store.

Xbox Adaptive Joystick Controller Coming in 2025

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick isn’t the only product developed based on player feedback. In fact, Xbox has teamed up with community members, charities, and hospitals specializing in adaptive gaming and 3D printing to create additional thumbstick covers. These covers provide even more accessibility choices for players. The designs can be downloaded from Xbox Design Lab, allowing users to either print them using their personal 3D printers or send them to a specified 3D printing service.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled about the arrival of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, which will come wrapped in Xbox packaging designed with valuable input from our gaming and disability community. The shipping box sports an effortless-to-peel looped tape, making it a breeze to open. Inside, the joystick’s box showcases a large base tab and a hinged lid for hassle-free access to the controller. The design also includes extra room when pulling out the controller, and there are no more pesky twist ties on the cables. Some of these changes are even being applied to the packaging of the freshly announced Xbox Series X/S console options.

Read More

2024-08-22 00:24