Microsoft's Xbox has introduced four additional accessibility features to enhance the gaming experience for players with disabilities
Xbox has introduced a series of new accessibility innovations tailored for players with disabilities.
Among the unveiled offerings are three cutting-edge devices: the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, the 8BitDo Lite 2.4G Wireless Controller, and the ByoWave Proteus Controller. These were developed through collaborations with gaming and disability advocates. Additionally, Xbox now provides 3D printable files for customizable thumbstick toppers and a latest feature named Toggle Hold.
Recognizing the community's request for an affordable joystick to complement the Xbox Adaptive Controller, Xbox's latest joystick—resulting from extensive research and development—incorporates four frontal input buttons, a customary Xbox thumbstick, and buttons replicating a conventional controller's bumper and trigger.
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is anticipated to be available by early 2025, with a price tag of about $30. Meanwhile, the 8BitDo Lite, catering to players with limited mobility, is already on the market for approximately $60, aligning with traditional controller prices.
The innovative ByoWave Proteus, known for its "snap and play" design and offering over "100 million different combinations," is on sale currently for $300.
Additionally, Xbox has introduced the Toggle Hold accessibility feature, initially accessible via the Xbox Insiders program, aimed at easing usage for those who struggle with sustained button presses.
In line with promoting accessibility, Xbox has rethought its product packaging. The adaptive joystick comes in a pack designed with center-seamed shipping, looped tape, an easy-to-grasp large base-tab, a hinged lid, and is free of twist ties.
These design considerations are mirrored in the packaging of the new Xbox Series X/S consoles.
An Xbox Wire post emphasizes their mission, stating, "At Xbox, we are committed to empowering everyone to play the games they want, with the people they want, anywhere they want, in a way that works for them." They aim to make gaming accessible for over 425 million players with disabilities globally.
