Microsoft Announces Xbox Adaptive Joystick and Other Accessibility Accessories

Microsoft has revealed today the Xbox Adaptive Joystick and three other accessibility offerings for Xbox and PC gamers. Six years after launching the Xbox Adaptive Controller for gamers with disabilities, the company will launch the $29.99 Xbox Adaptive Joystick in early 2025 in select Xbox markets.

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick can be connected with a wire to regular Xbox controllers or the $99 Xbox Adaptive Controller for a more customizable experience. It includes four buttons on the front below an Xbox thumbstick, and two buttons on the top providing the same functionality as the bumper and trigger on regular Xbox controllers. All these buttons are customizable within the Xbox Accessories app.

“The Xbox Adaptive Joystick’s versatility allows players to seamlessly incorporate the controller into existing gaming setups – it can be controlled with one hand, mounted via tabletops, or used with non-hand body parts,” Microsoft explained today.

The Xbox team has designed this new Xbox Adaptive Joystick in collaboration with players with disabilities and accessibility experts. Through this collaborative approach, Microsoft is also making 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers available via the Xbox Design Lab. This will allow gamers to choose between six adaptive thumbstick topper designs for Xbox controllers, adjust their height and width, and download the 3D file to get it printed.

Microsoft also revealed today two officially licensed Xbox controllers from 8BitDo and ByoWave designed for gamers with disabilities. The $59.99 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller is a flat controller with low-resistance buttons, highly sensitive joysticks, and two programmable Super Buttons that can also be connected to the Xbox Adaptive Controller. It’s now available to purchase in select markets.

Lastly, the new $299 ByoWave Proteus controller uses a modular design with snappable parts allowing gamers to build over 100 million configurations. It will be available in limited quantities in the US, Canada, the EU, and the UK.