Microsoft recently announced it will be launching a new Xbox Adaptive Joystick, allowing gamers to operate the controller using just one hand. Designed for players with limited mobility, the new single-handed controller is also ideal for those who have trouble using the thumbsticks on the existing controller layouts. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is “designed as a companion for Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers,” and features four buttons on the top alongside two more buttons for bumper and trigger controls. The new controller is customisable and allows players to remap all buttons and even has printable 3D thumbstick toppers that lets you adjust the size, height and width of the thumbstick. Microsoft says players can either connect the Adaptive Controller for a full adaptive setup or plug it directly into their PC or Xbox. The Xbox Adaptive Controller is priced at $29.99 (Rs 2,500, approximately), and will be available on Microsoft Store sometime early next year. In addition to the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, the company also unveiled a new Lite SE controller from 8BitDo that is also designed for gamers with limited mobility. It has low resistance buttons, all of which are placed on the top and comes with Hall Effect joysticks. The company is also testing a new feature for Xbox users that is designed to “make using a controller even easier and supports players who have difficulty holding prolonged button presses.” Available to Xbox Insiders, the new toggle hold feature works similar to sticky keys on Windows and allows users to use any button or port on the company’s Adaptive Controller, Adaptive Joystick and the Elite Series 2 controller to stay pressed unless its released. Earlier this year in May, Microsoft unveiled Proteus, a customisable controller designed for people with disabilities.
