Microsoft has announced it is releasing a new Xbox Adaptive Joystick to make gaming even more accessible for players.
Releasing in early 2025 for $29.99, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick will allow players to use it as a stand alone controller or add it to the Xbox Adaptive Controller for a “full adaptive setup”.
“Through years of research, testing and collaboration with players with disabilities, and accessibility experts, we designed the Xbox Adaptive Joystick as a wired companion to Xbox controllers, specifically for players with limited mobility,” Xbox’s Gaming Accessibility Team said.
Other features of the new joystick include the ability to link it with an Xbox controller using Xbox Controller Assist, complete button remapping with multiple profiles, and the ability to be mounted to “any ¼”-20 threaded mount equipment.”
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick itself features four buttons on the front, an Xbox thumbstick and two buttons at the top that act as the bumper and trigger of the controller.
More Accessibility Options From Xbox
In addition to the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, Microsoft is offering even more accessibility options to make sure players can enjoy their games no matter what.
First are new 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers. The six new designs include:
- Plate-shaped thumbstick topper: Provides a shallow, indented surface helpful for operating sticks with larger body parts, like the chin.
- Dome-shaped thumbstick topper: Features a rounded, convex surface designed to accommodate various grip strengths or dexterity levels.
- Stick-shaped thumbstick topper: Offers a narrow cylindrical grip, increasing height and leverage to reduce the force needed to operate the stick.
- Pull thumbstick topper: Provides a deep, bowl-shaped surface that surrounds a thumb, finger, or similar object, reducing the pressure required.
- Sphere-shaped thumbstick topper: Presents a smooth, rounded, ball-shaped surface to support alternative ways of operating a thumbstick, such as grasping it.
- Custom thumbstick topper: Allows players to create their own shape with increased adhesion for shapable materials like clay or moldable plastic, enabling them to make and affix any shape that works best.
The next new offering is the new 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller, which was designed “specifically for gamers with limited mobility.”
“It features low-resistance buttons and highly sensitive Hall Effect joysticks, making it easier for everyone to play,” Xbox says. “All buttons are conveniently accessible on the top of the controller, and it even has a non-slip silicone mat to keep it steady while gaming.”
Lastly, ByoWave is releasing the ByoWave Proteus Controller after four years of development. Retailing at $299, the Proteus is a modular controller with a number of combinations.
“The Proteus Controller comes with “snap and play” parts and is all about personalized customization,” they said. “With its modular design, players can tweak their controller setup to match their unique play style, physical needs, and game preferences with over 100 million different combinations.”
What do you think of Xbox continuing to release more accessibility options for gamers, including the new Adaptive Joystick? For more Insider Gaming, read about the sales records that College Football 25 is breaking.
