Gamescom 2024 may have had some sweet game reveals, but the major news for our community is Microsoft’s latest move towards accessible gaming. Enter the Xbox Adaptive Joystick.
We know that gaming can feel out of reach for many. If you’ve got mobility issues, traditional controllers might not work for you, so this new joystick feels like a win we can all celebrate.
Priced at a reasonable $30, this controller has four standard buttons, two additional ones for bumper and trigger functions, and a customisable thumbstick. Microsoft has provided 3D printable files for different thumbstick toppers via Xbox Design Lab, letting you fine-tune the controller to meet your needs. If you need something you can control with your chin or a different setup entirely, it’s all possible. And the best part? Disabled gamers and accessibility experts were deeply involved in its design, ensuring it’s genuinely practical.
Oh, and Microsoft has made their packaging accessible, taking feedback from the disabled community seriously. From easy-to-open boxes to cable management, they’ve thought about the subtle details that can make a massive difference.
Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Joystick and latest accessibility efforts are sure to make 2025 an exciting year for inclusivity in gaming. More of this, please!
