Xbox Adaptive Controller

Microsoft’s innovation will help more people play the games they love

Modern game controllers, even from different companies, all look very similar. The design has been refined based on the majority of gamers to offer the most precision, comfort and simplicity possible. But not every player is the same, so a team at Microsoft started working on a controller that would let more people enjoy the games they want, and the result is the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

The device has a unique design that makes it easier to press buttons, but more importantly, it adds the option to connect external devices that can trigger inputs for the system. For example, if you’re playing Fortnite, you might be pulling the right trigger to fire, but for gamers with limited mobility in their right hand, or players without fingers on that hand, pulling a trigger is harder than it sounds.

With the Xbox Adaptive Controller, players can plug in external buttons, switches, pedals and joysticks that can activate that trigger instead – or any other input on the controller. Along the back are ports for every button on the standard Xbox pad, meaning players can add as many or as few external buttons as they need in the right setup for them. The controller sits comfortably on a lap but can also be mounted if the user is in a wheelchair or is more comfortable using a raised controller.

The team at Microsoft worked alongside gamers with limited mobility in the community, as well as charities and foundations, to create the best, most adaptable controller possible. With it they’ve made gaming more accessible to more people, and it’s due to be released in September. Let’s see how it works.

“Microsoft started working on a controller that would let more people enjoy the games they want”