(Credit: Xbox)
Microsoft has expanded its Xbox accessibility lineup with an Xbox Adaptive Joystick, two new Designed for Xbox controllers, and free 3D printable joystick toppers.
"Players have expressed a need for an affordable, singular joystick to use alongside the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers," the gaming accessibility team says in a post on the Xbox blog. "Through years of research, testing, and collaboration with players with disabilities, and accessibility experts, we designed the Xbox Adaptive Joystick as a wired companion to Xbox controllers, specifically for players with limited mobility.”
The device 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. "All these buttons are customizable, providing the flexibility to play in a way that’s most comfortable," the Xbox team says. That includes controlling it with one hand, mounting it on tabletops, or using it with "non-hand body parts."
The joystick will be available in early 2025 from the Microsoft Store for $29.99.
Meanwhile, the complementary 3D printing files for six new adaptive joystick toppers are available now through Xbox Design Lab. To get started, select Adaptive Products on the website.
The other new controllers—the 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller and ByoWave Proteus Controller—come from the Designed for Xbox program.
"The Lite SE was designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility. It features low-resistance buttons and highly sensitive Hall Effect joysticks, making it easier for everyone to play," the Xbox team says. It’s available now for $59.99.
The ByoWave Proteus is a less traditional controller. In the works for more than four years, it features a modular design that allows the different controller buttons and joysticks to be snapped together in nearly endless ways. According to the company, there are 100 million configurations available. The ByoWave Proteus Controller starter kit is available now for $299.99.
Additionally, Microsoft announced accessible packaging for the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, which it will also use on the three new Xbox Series X|S console options. Plus, a new toggle hold feature for players who have difficulty holding prolonged button presses is now available for Xbox Insiders.