Microsoft announces the Xbox Adaptive Controller

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Adaptive Controller which allows for gamers with limited mobility or disabilities to play games on Xbox.

The controller has two large programmable buttons, D-pad, Xbox View, Menu and Profile buttons as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, 19 3.5mm jacks for external buttons, thumbsticks and triggers and USB ports for left and right thumbstick inputs. There’s also a USB-C port and DC port for power.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is compatible with both Xbox One and Windows 10 devices.

Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer said this about the goal of the project to create this controller:

At Microsoft, we believe in empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our CEO, Satya Nadella, has spoken about how essential it is that we push the boundaries of what technology can do in a concerted effort to be inclusive of everyone around the world. These principles have the deepest impact in how we are building products that are designed for everyone. We have been on a journey of inclusive design, which celebrates and draws inspiration from people who are often overlooked in the typical design process.

For gamers with limited mobility, finding controller solutions to fit their individual needs has been challenging. The solutions that exist today are often expensive, hard to find, or require significant technical skill to create. A number of individuals and organizations are creating custom solutions, but it has been often difficult for them to scale when most rigs need to be so personalized.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller was created in partnership with The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Craig Hospital, SpecialEffect, and Warfighter Engaged.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller will be available later this year, exclusively from the Microsoft Store for $99 USD.

Source: Xbox