Microsoft have announced today a new controller for Xbox One and Windows 10 that is aimed at helping to improve the accessibility of video games for disabled people. It is the Xbox Adaptive Controller and will be going on sale exclusively via the Microsoft Online store for $99.99 USD later this year.
Developed in collaboration with a multitude of disability charities and disabled gamers, the controller is designed to help improve It is also compatible with other various third party peripherals and accessibility devices that disabled gamers may already own.
Microsoft discuss their philosophy behind the design of this peripheral.
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. On our journey of inclusive design, we have taken a wider view of our fans and a more inclusive approach to designing for them.
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.
Joining the Xbox family of controllers and devices, the Xbox Adaptive Controller was created to address these challenges and remove barriers to gaming by being adaptable to more gamers’ needs. It was developed in partnership with organizations around the world, including The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Craig Hospital, SpecialEffect, and Warfighter Engaged. We worked closely with them and directly with gamers who have limited mobility to assist in our development. 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. In addition to working with common adaptive switches that gamers with limited mobility may already own, it has two large buttons built in. These buttons can also be reprogrammed to act as any of the standard controller’s button inputs via the Xbox Accessories app.
More information about the Adaptive Controller will be revealed closer to E3 ahead of the controller’s launch later this year.
You can read the whole announcement here.
