When we think of controllers, we usually think of the standard handheld one with front-facing buttons complete with analogue sticks and some trigger buttons on top (unless if you are Nintendo). While the ergonomic aspect is still debated, with some preferring the Playstation layout over the Xbox one and vice versa, these controllers are not adapted for every gamer. In paticular gamers with medical conditions like cerebral palsy or with amputated fingers/hands have limited mobility or cannot use both of their hands, and as such traditional controllers are not ideal for them to enjoy their games. Microsoft aims to address those concerns with the newly announced Xbox Adaptive Controller.

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So how does it work? The main unit is the white slab you see in the first picture above looking kind of like an arcade stick. Its full potential is packed at its rear with a plethora of inputs for enhanced customization:

One can connect assistive switches (sold separately) for buttons, thumbstick and trigger inputs via the 3.5 jacks, USB joysticks to the USB port and the whole controller can be attached to different mounts from the back to adjust for height and accessibility. Additionally, with the Xbox Accessories App, the buttons can be configured to one's liking.

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Microsoft says that the Xbox Adaptive Controller will cost $100 and will be out sometime later this year.

It's great to see a company at the forefront of gaming invest in such a device to help make gaming more accessible. If you want to read more about the designing process behind the Xbox Adaptive Controller, you can do so via the Microsoft Story Lab blog post.

 

[DjoeN]

you guys will all fugure out this controller is just a ruse when xbox releases its breast simulator VR to sell consoles in Japan...

...

I hope when it does, you can size those breast to any size you like

On Topic:

Great news, Way to go MS, more should follow this

 

[gudenau]

What a price tag for a device that has so little.

At least it is USB Type-C I suppose.

 

[Deleted member 420418]

Disabled people will finally be able to play video game consoles for once.

 

[phreaksho]

Definitly a step in the right directions. I know some people that would probably faint at the fact that they were actually able to control mario at some point. I also like the security in thinking if I ever have to sacrifice my hands (God forbid) I could still game

 

[Veho]

What a price tag for a device that has so little.

Compared to currently existing alternatives it's really not that bad.

 

[Beerus]

keep it up microsoft proud of u

 

[samcambolt270]

This looks great. since my right hands usefulness has slowly been deteriorating from psoriatic arthritis, I can see this becoming a useful tool in the future(well, that's if I can use it on a pc like a notmal xbox controller someday).

 

[WhiteMaze]

I'm 95% sure I'm going to hell for saying this, but it looks like a digital drums kit.

But seriously kudos. Everyone should be able to play games.

 

[Deleted User]

Deleted

 

[Zhongtiao1]

I wonder if this will be compatible with the switch through the Mayflash adapter since regular xbox1 controllers work with it. It would open up a lot of doors for people to play games like zelda

 

[SirNapkin1334]

That's so cool! Somebody needs to make a regular controller but it has all those plugs for the back, so then you can plug buttons into sockets for different buttons and one button triggers another, it can be a challenge or allow vastly more customization.

 

[DeslotlCL]

I wonder if this will be compatible with the switch through the Mayflash adapter since regular xbox1 controllers work with it. It would open up a lot of doors for people to play games like zelda

Doubt it. It even says that you need an xbox app to configure the buttons layout.

 

[gudenau]

Compared to currently existing alternatives it's really not that bad.

Never said uncompetitive or anything like that. It just bugs me a little because it feels almost like they are taking advantage of a demographic you know? I'm sure they could drop the price some if they really wanted, then you also need to get the buttons and stuff. Just bugs me some.

 

[Zhongtiao1]

Never said uncompetitive or anything like that. It just bugs me a little because it feels almost like they are taking advantage of a demographic you know? I'm sure they could drop the price some if they really wanted, then you also need to get the buttons and stuff. Just bugs me some.

They probably couldn't drop the price too much, it isn't just generic parts like an iPhone has

 

[MikaDubbz]

Microsoft may really have dropped the ball when it comes to system selling exclusive titles, but I do really have to give them credit on all the functions, features, and accessibility they've poured into the Xbox One since its release. This adaptive controller news definitely stands as a part of all of that.

 

[Pluupy]

This is nice. If only Xbox had any games to make it worth it.

To be honest, I would like to see a tablet device for folks since youtube lets plays effectively allow people to play games vicariously via watching (besides games in which the experience can be different each play, such as open sandbox, competitive games,etc).

There was a recent Wired article which spoke of nursing homes using the Wii with residents (i've seen it at my last internship; they play Wii Bowling via Wii Sports). There was also a side page describing a tablet that allows for communication (basically calls and texting), large colored buttons, physical attachments (digital interactions don't make sense to residents), and a note pad. Possibly more.

I like the idea of gaming being open to more people. There are a lot of people in nursing homes who do absolutely nothing in their rooms besides stare out the window or watch TV. Some cannot take part in activities due to their disabilities. This is a step in the right direction.

 

[netovsk]

This is nice. If only Xbox had any games to make it worth it.

Right now this seems the only way for handicapped people to play AC Origins, Shadow of War, Monster Hunter World, Wolfenstein 2 and almost every relevant triple A release in the last 12 months, and the only way they can hope to play Kingdom Hearts 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Divinity 2 later in this year, but I guess none of these are games when you hate on a console?

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Right now this seems the only way for handicapped people to play AC Origins, Shadow of War, Monster Hunter World, Wolfenstein 2 and almost every relevant triple A release in the last 12 months, and the only way they can hope to play Kingdom Hearts 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Divinity 2 later in this year, but I guess none of these are games when you hate on a console?

I'd have to assume that since this is an XBox peripheral it would work on a Windows PC as well, but I understand what you're saying

 

[Ryccardo]

Insert joke on number of jacks of this product vs iPhone

 

[FAST6191]

I thank MS for my new cheating device. Far easier to mess with than having to solder a breakout board and my own inputs.