Microsoft’s adaptive controller has been a massive success with disabled fans. The controller was designed for disabled people who have a difficult time operating standard video game controllers. It was specifically designed for those who have problems with fine motor controls, but still enjoy playing video games.
The standard Xbox adaptive controller was designed with a slim rectangular frame with two large domed buttons that can be mapped to any function in-game. The controller also has USB ports and 3.5 mm jacks that enable players to connect other assistive devices to it. The design enables players to customize the controller to more accurately suit their needs. The most interesting aspect of this controller though is that it is not locked to the Xbox One. By negotiating with Valve, Sony, and Nintendo, Microsoft was able to ensure that the controller operates with with other hardware as well.
Rory Steel on Twitter was able to modify the adaptive controller to more accurately suit his daughter’s needs, so that she could play Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch. Steel was able to modify some joysticks and add in more programmable buttons to help his daughter play the game. Other users had an outpouring of support for Steel and his daughter and praised Microsoft for their lengths to make video games more accessible. Even Phil Spencer, the Executive Vice-President of Gaming at Microsoft, responded to show his support for Steel and his daughter.
The Xbox adaptive controller was originally announced in May of 2018. In November of that year Microsoft released a commercial promoting the equipment that featured several children rushing to another child’s home to see him use the new controller. This commercial featured Owen Simons, who has Escobar Syndrome, and was was then followed up with another featuring testimonials from Owen’s family about the positive influence of the device.
Video games are something that should be able to be enjoyed by anyone regardless of ability. Just because someone has a disability should not mean they must be unable to engage in such an immersive and rewarding activity. Making video games more accessible isn’t an honorable thing that should be celebrated, but rather something that should be expected of all developers and companies. The adaptive controller will hopefully inspire others in the industry to embrace fans with specific gaming requirements outside industry standard controllers. Microsoft at least has taken a step in the correct direction.
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Source: Rory Steel/Twitter
