Orange County, CA - May 22nd, 2018 - Video games have been around since the early 1970’s. Over the years, the system and the controllers have advanced by adding new features. However, the controllers have primarily catered to players who have normal mobility.
Microsoft has targeted gamers who don’t use both of their hands or have limited mobility. The Xbox Adaptive Controller helps gamers with disabilities get back in the game, by allowing them to have the ability to customize the controller in a way that is most comfortable to them.
This device looks and feels different from the standard gaming remotes designed for two-handed use. There aren’t any directional pads, colorful A-B-X-Y buttons, or triggers on this controller. Instead, it has two large buttons which can be operated with hands but are also large enough for players to control them with their elbows or feet as well.
The back of the controller has a line of 3.5 mm ports for adding inputs and buttons to represent the same features on the traditional controller. This gives the player a personalized experience that tailors to their disabilities. Essentially, a player can add other touch-sensitive switches to give the device more functionality.
The controller is wireless and can be charged by a USB-C connection. It also has an optional power supply which allows add-ons, like mouth-operated quad-sticks used by quadriplegic players who can “sip and puff” to draw the amount of power needed to play.
As reported by Microsoft, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a result of years of development and testing in partnership with organizations such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Englewood, Colorado-based Craig Hospital.
Microsoft hasn’t announced pre-order information or an available date quite yet, but the Xbox Adaptive Controller will be available exclusively through the Microsoft Store for $99.99 later this year.
