Xbox Releasing New Adaptive Joystick For Added Accessibility

As someone who has always had a passion for gaming and a deep appreciation for the inclusivity that it can bring to people with various abilities, I am absolutely thrilled about Microsoft’s latest announcement! The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a game-changer for those with limited mobility, offering a more accessible and customizable gaming experience.

Microsoft has shared the news about launching a fresh Xbox Adaptive Controller Joystick, aiming to further enhance accessibility within the gaming community.

Set to launch around early 2025 at a price of $29.99, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick can be utilized independently as a controller or combined with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, resulting in a fully customizable setup for enhanced gaming experience.

As part of our long-term commitment to inclusivity, I’ve been involved in the creation of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. Over the years, we’ve conducted extensive research, testing, and collaborated closely with players who have disabilities and accessibility experts. This joystick was designed as a wired extension for Xbox controllers, tailored to cater to gamers with limited mobility.

As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the additional capabilities of this new joystick. For instance, it can connect seamlessly with an Xbox controller via Xbox Controller Assist. Plus, it offers customizable button mapping across multiple profiles, which is a game-changer! Lastly, it can be securely mounted on any equipment featuring a ¼”-20 threaded mount, making setup incredibly flexible.

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick sports four front-located buttons, a control stick similar to the Xbox one, and two buttons positioned above that function as the joystick’s bumper and trigger buttons.

Xbox Releasing New Adaptive Joystick For Added Accessibility

More Accessibility Options From Xbox

Beyond the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, Microsoft is also providing additional accessibility features to ensure that gamers can immerse themselves in their games regardless of individual abilities.

First are new 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers. The six new designs include:

Plate-shaped thumbstick topper: Provides a shallow, indented surface helpful for operating sticks with larger body parts, like the chin.
Dome-shaped thumbstick topper: Features a rounded, convex surface designed to accommodate various grip strengths or dexterity levels.
Stick-shaped thumbstick topper: Offers a narrow cylindrical grip, increasing height and leverage to reduce the force needed to operate the stick.
Pull thumbstick topper: Provides a deep, bowl-shaped surface that surrounds a thumb, finger, or similar object, reducing the pressure required.
Sphere-shaped thumbstick topper: Presents a smooth, rounded, ball-shaped surface to support alternative ways of operating a thumbstick, such as grasping it.
Custom thumbstick topper: Allows players to create their own shape with increased adhesion for shapable materials like clay or moldable plastic, enabling them to make and affix any shape that works best.

The next new offering is the new 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller, which was designed “specifically for gamers with limited mobility.”

According to Xbox, this device boasts low-resistance buttons and extremely responsive Hall Effect joysticks for an effortless gaming experience. Additionally, all buttons are thoughtfully positioned at the top of the controller and it comes with a non-slip silicone mat to prevent slippage during gameplay.

Xbox Releasing New Adaptive Joystick For Added Accessibility

In summary, following four years of meticulous development, ByoWave is unveiling their latest product – the ByoWave Proteus Controller. Priced at $299, this versatile device offers multiple configuration options.

They explained that the Proteus Controller features components that simply snap into place, and it’s primarily focused on customization for individual players. Due to its modular design, gamers can adjust their controller layout to suit their unique playstyle, physical requirements, and favorite games by choosing from more than 100 million distinct combinations.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam.