Image: Microsoft
Microsoft today unveiled a lineup of new accessibility accessories for Xbox, along with 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers to cater to a wider variety of gamers.
“At Xbox, we are committed to empowering everyone to play the games they want, with the people they want, anywhere they want, in a way that works for them. This includes our mission of making gaming accessible for the more than 425 million players with disabilities worldwide,” the company said in a blog post.
The first of the announced accessibility devices is a new first-party Xbox Adaptive Joystick — a wired companion to Xbox controllers designed specifically for players with limited mobility. It features four button inputs, a standard Xbox thumbstick, and a bumper-trigger combo — all of which are customizable and can be remapped individually.
Image: Microsoft
Microsoft said the Xbox Adaptive Joystick will launch in early 2025 in select Xbox markets across the globe. It will be sold exclusively through the Microsoft Store.
In addition, Microsoft is now also offering 3D printable files for a range of six new adaptive thumbstick toppers that will allow users to better customize their play. These include plate-shaped, dome-shaped, stick-shaped, pull-style, sphere-shaped, and custom thumbstick toppers, each of which can have their height and width customized to better fit each user.
Image: Microsoft
Users interested in these new thumbstick toppers can head to the Xbox Design Lab, select a thumbstick topper shape, customize it, download the 3D printable file they receive in an email, and print it.
The other accessibility devices unveiled today include the 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller and the ByoWave Proteus modular controller, both of which are available to purchase now.
According to Microsoft, the tech giant worked with the Gaming & Disability community and nonprofit organizations to develop these new accessibility offerings. The company aims to make gaming more accessible as it continues to offer novel experiences to gamers across the globe.
Earlier this week, Nvidia added Xbox account-linking support to its GeForce Now game streaming service.
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