According to a story from polygon.com, Microsoft has developed a new Xbox Adaptive Controller that is tailored towards players that have reduced use of their hands and fingers. While there has long been a market of highly customized controllers and after-market accessories that are meant to help disabled people enjoy video games, this is the first time that one of the major gaming developers has gone out of their way to build a controller catered to the disabled community from the ground up.
Video games are often considered a pastime that generally requires minimal physical effort on the part of players, but it is often overlooked that most control systems require a pair of fully functional hands in order to be used effectively. Even for players with typical hand function, it can take time to configure a game’s controls in a manner that is practical for the user. As one can imagine, this means that hand disabilities, such as an amputation or a rare condition such as cerebral palsy, can feel like an insurmountable obstacle for potential players.
The need for a controller for disabled players became more apparent when Microsoft released the Xbox Elite Controller in late 2015. It was geared towards the most dedicated players, such as the esport community. However, it found an unexpected audience with disabled players, because it has superior grip and also allowed for greater customization. The company also released an update for the Xbox One console that allows for screen options that can accommodate people with vision problems.
In developing the new controller, Microsoft actively worked with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Craig Hospital, a medical center that specializes in rehabilitation from brain and spinal cord disorders and injuries. They also collaborated with AbleGamers, an organization dedicated to helping people with limited mobility enjoy video games.
The device features large, domed buttons that can be programmed according to the player’s needs. In addition, a massive number of jacks allows for players to attach any number of peripherals, such as foot pedals and switches to get the level of control that they need.
