Xbox has revealed four new accessibility options for disabled gamers.
This includes three new accessible devices (the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, the 8BitDo Lite 2.4G Wireless Controller, and the ByoWave Proteus Controller) that have been developed in consultation with the gaming and disability community, 3D printable files for more customizable joystick toppers, and a new Xbox feature, Toggle Hold.
Xbox says gamers have expressed a need for “an affordable, unique joystick” to use alongside the Xbox Adaptive Controller. After “years of research, testing, and collaboration,” the joystick features four input buttons on the front, a standard Xbox thumbstick, and “two additional buttons that mimic the placement of the bumper and trigger on a traditional controller.”
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is set to launch in early 2025 for around $30, while the 8BitDo Lite, which has been designed for gamers with limited mobility, is already available and sells for around $60, which is the cost of a standard controller.
The ByoWave Proteus “snap and play,” which offers “over 100 million different combinations” and is also available now, is a bit more expensive at $300.
Xbox also says it's launched a new Toggle Hold accessibility feature. While it's only available to those participating in the Xbox Insiders program for now, Toggle Hold is meant to make it easier for people who have difficulty holding down buttons for a long time to use the controller.
Interestingly, Xbox has even redesigned its packaging with accessibility in mind. The Adaptive Joystick's packaging features a taped center seam, a large tab at the base to “promote a simple out-of-the-box experience,” a hinged lid, and no ties.
These insights have also been applied to the packaging of the new Xbox Series X/S console options.
“At Xbox, we're committed to enabling everyone to play the games they want, with the people they want, anywhere they want, in the way that works for them,” Xbox explains in an Xbox Wire post detailing its new options.
“This includes our mission to make gaming accessible to the more than 425 million gamers with disabilities around the world.”