Three new devices and offering 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers, all aimed at enhancing the gaming experience suitable for players with disabilities. Xbox introduces Four New Accessibility Innovations to make gaming more accessible for players with disabilities.
Xbox Adaptive Joystick
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick was developed in response to feedback from players who needed a more affordable and versatile joystick that could be used alongside the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers. After years of research, testing, and collaboration with players with disabilities and accessibility experts, Xbox designed this joystick to meet the needs of players with limited mobility.
The joystick is a wired device that includes four button inputs on the front, a standard Xbox thumbstick, and two additional buttons that mimic the bumper and trigger placement on a traditional controller. These buttons are fully customizable, allowing players to tailor the joystick to their specific needs.
It can be controlled with one hand, mounted on a tabletop, or operated with non-hand body parts. Players can connect the joystick to the Xbox Adaptive Controller for a fully adaptive gaming setup or use it alongside a standard Xbox controller with the Xbox Controller Assist feature (formerly Xbox Copilot) for enhanced functionality.
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick will launch in early 2025 and will be available in select Xbox markets worldwide for USD 29.99 exclusively through the Microsoft Store.
3D Printable Files for Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers
Xbox also offers 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers, available through Xbox Design Lab. These files were developed in collaboration with community members, charity organizations, and a hospital involved in adaptive gaming and 3D printing. The initiative aims to provide players with more customization options for their thumbstick toppers, allowing them to adjust the height and width of the toppers to suit their needs.
Players can choose from six adaptive thumbstick topper designs, including:
Plate-shaped thumbstick topper: Provides a shallow, indented surface that is helpful for operating sticks with larger body parts, such as 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 that increases height and leverage, reducing 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 that supports 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.
8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller
Xbox has partnered with 8BitDo, a company known for creating accessible gaming hardware, to introduce the Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller. This controller is designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility and features low-resistance buttons and highly sensitive Hall Effect joysticks. All the buttons are conveniently accessible on the top of the controller, which also includes a non-slip silicone mat to keep it steady during gameplay.
The Lite SE offers flexible gaming options, connecting wirelessly with a 2.4G adapter or via a wired connection to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows 10 and above. It also includes two programmable Super Buttons that can be mapped without additional software and are fully compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The Lite SE is available now for $59.99 USD in select markets worldwide.
ByoWave Proteus Controller
The ByoWave Proteus Controller is another innovative product designed for accessibility. Developed over four years by the ByoWave team, the Proteus Controller features a modular design that allows players to customize their controller setup to match their unique play style, physical needs, and game preferences. With over 100 million different combinations possible, the Proteus Controller offers unparalleled customization.
Players can easily save and switch configurations using the module mapping system. The Proteus Controller is available now for $299 USD in the United States, Europe, United Kingdom, and Canada.
New Toggle Hold Feature
In addition to these new devices, Xbox is introducing a new accessibility feature called Toggle Hold. This feature, available to Xbox Insiders, allows players to assign any button or port on the Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox Adaptive Joystick, or Xbox Elite Series 2 controller to stay pressed until pressed again to release. This feature is particularly helpful for players who have difficulty holding prolonged button presses.
Accessible Packaging
Xbox has also redesigned the packaging for its new devices, including the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, to make it more accessible. The packaging now features a center-seamed shipper with looped tape, a large base-tab for easy out-of-box experience, a hinged box lid with a large loop for product access, and ample space around the product for easier removal. Similar improvements have been made to the packaging of the new Xbox Series X|S consoles, including loops on the accessory box for easier removal and a top-down opening for improved access.
These new accessibility devices and features are part of Xbox’s ongoing commitment to making gaming more inclusive for players with disabilities. Whether using the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, 3D printable thumbstick toppers, or one of the new controllers, Xbox is providing more choices that allow players to customize their gaming setups and enhance their gaming experience.
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