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Microsoft Unveils Xbox Adaptive Controller

The new adjustable Xbox controller is designed for players with disabilities.

 & Rob Marvin Former Associate Features Editor

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Microsoft is releasing a new Xbox Adaptive Controller purpose-built for gamers with limited accessibility or disabilities.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller has two large, built-in buttons that can be reprogrammed through the Xbox Accessories app to act as any of the standard Xbox controller's button inputs.

The device is also designed to make gaming more accessible with 19 ports and jacks on the back and sides of the device, including a USB and 3.5mm jack. These can be connected to a range of joysticks, buttons, and switches corresponding to specific Xbox controller buttons. Supported third-party devices at launch include PDP's One-Handed Joystick, Logitech's Extreme 3D Pro Joystick, and Quadstick's Game Controller.

In a blog post, Xbox head Phil Spencer said the controller was developed in partnership with nonprofit organizations, including the The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Craig Hospital, SpecialEffect, and Warfighter Engaged. Microsoft worked directly with gamers who had limited mobility to develop and refine the experience.

"Our goal was to make the device as adaptable as possible, so gamers can create a setup that works for them in a way that is plug-and-play, extensible, and affordable," wrote Spencer.

A mode called "co-pilot" can pair the Xbox Adaptive Controller with a second standard controller for the Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and other Xbox consoles. The controller can also attach to a variety of mounts such as the back of a monitor.

"By taking an inclusive design approach and considerations of gamers who might not be able to reach all the bumpers and triggers or hold a controller for an extended period of time, for example, we were able to design a controller that provides a way for more fans to enjoy gaming," wrote Spencer.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is $99.99 and will be available for purchase later this year in the Microsoft Store. Microsoft will release more details at E3 in June.

About Our Expert

Rob Marvin

Rob Marvin

Former Associate Features Editor

Rob Marvin writes features, news, and trend stories on all manner of emerging technologies. Beats include: startups, business and venture capital, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, AI, augmented and virtual reality, IoT and automation, legal cannabis tech, social media, streaming, security, mobile commerce, M&A, and entertainment. Rob was previously Assistant Editor and Associate Editor in PCMag's Business section. Prior to that, he served as an editor at SD Times. He graduated from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. You can also find his business and tech coverage on Entrepreneur and Fox Business. Rob is also an unabashed nerd who does occasional entertainment writing for Geek.com on movies, TV, and culture. Once a year you can find him on a couch with friends marathoning The Lord of the Rings trilogy--extended editions.

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