Many gamers have embraced the gamepad for their sessions, and the popularity of the keyboard/mouse combo hasn't gone anywhere, but there are people out there who can't use either of those solutions. One of the most important names in the accessories market for users with reduced mobility is Microsoft, which already offers its Xbox Adaptive Controller. However, the Redmond giant has just released the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, a 'companion' for other controllers that can be customized and modified on several levels.
There are many reasons to criticize Microsoft (especially when it makes mistakes with its most important products), but its accessibility profile is not one of them. The case of the Xbox Adaptive Controller is notable: it hit the market in September 2018, and almost seven years later, Microsoft maintains the same price of $100 / €90 for its base configuration. What comes next? In August 2024, the company announced a new controller aimed at gamers with reduced mobility, a sort of 'companion' that can be linked to other Xbox controllers, or used independently. Its name is Xbox Adaptive Joystick, and it is already on sale:
Xbox Adaptive Joystick, now available
I could have chosen last year's trailer, but I think the official guide is more interesting: the general shape of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick reminds us of Nintendo's Joy-Con, however, its configuration is much more advanced. It has seven buttons in total (four in the front, two on the back, and one when pressing the stick), all programmable with the Xbox Accessories app on PC, and the Xbox Controller Assist feature allows linking the Adaptive Joystick with another controller, so they work as one.
Its stick is very similar to the one found on Xbox Wireless controllers, but with the help of a 3D printer and the files available at Xbox Design Lab, anyone can create and customize adapters for a better grip (they should also work with traditional Xbox gamepads). On the bottom it has a 1/4-20” thread (6.35 millimeters with 1.27 pitch, if the Web is not mistaken), very useful when you need additional support. To update its firmware, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick must be connected directly to the console, and it only saves one remapping profile at a time.
In short, if we go beyond its main role, I think Microsoft has created a very interesting Joy-Con equivalent for Xbox and PC... something also reflected in its price: €30.
Official site: Click here
