Xbox Reveals New Adaptive Joystick

Xboxhas unveiled a new adaptive joystick controller that allows for more accessibility options while gaming. More people are playing video games than ever before, and developers have taken note of this by adding options to help players who normally wouldn’t be able to enjoy games on Xbox or any other system. This includes special color filters that allow colorblind gamers to better see in-game objects, auto descriptions and screen readers for cutscenes and in-game text, and additional subtitles and captions for players who are deaf or hard of hearing.

There are also specialized accessibility controllers designed to assist those who might not be able to operate the standard Xbox Wireless controller or PlayStation DualSense. A great example of this is the PlayStation Access Controller, which launched last December and includes a wide assortment of button and joystick configurations to fit any preferred playstyle. A few years earlier, Xbox released its own Adaptive Controller that featured two large, programmable buttons and could be connected to various joysticks, buttons, and switches.

Now Xbox has revealed yet another alternate controller option, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. Designed in collaboration with accessibility experts and players with disabilities, this joystick is a single-hand controller that features a standard Xbox thumbstick, four input buttons on the front, and two other buttons that replicate the bumpers and triggers on a more traditional Xbox controller. All of these inputs are fully customizable, and the Xbox Adaptive Joystick can be plugged into the existing Xbox Adaptive Controller or another Xbox controller option for increased functionality. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is set to launch in early 2025 and will be sold exclusively through the Microsoft Store at $29.99.

Xbox Adaptive Joystick Controller Coming in 2025

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick itself isn’t the only thing that was made using player feedback, as Xbox also announced that it has collaborated with community members, charity organizations, and a hospital involved in adaptive gaming and 3D printing to develop a collection of alternative thumbstick toppers that will give players even more accessibility options. These thumbstick files are currently available to download from Xbox Design Lab, and players can either print them with their own 3D printer or take them to a designated 3D printing service.

Lastly, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick will be shipped in easily opened Xbox packaging inspired by feedback from the Gaming and Disability community. The outside shipper box features a looped tape that can be easily peeled away to open, and the joystick’s box has a large base tab and a hinged lid to ensure easy access to the controller. There is also extra space to make pulling the controller out less difficult, and there are no twist ties on the cables. Some of these changes are also being implemented in the packaging of the recently announced Xbox Series X/S console options.