Xbox officially unveils timely new hardware to take us into the next generation

Accessibility in gaming is becoming a lot more of a priority for companies in recent years and it’s about damn time.

From games themselves having more accessibility options to big companies releasing hardware aimed at its disabled customer base, we are coming on in leaps and strides.

Check out our deep dive into the Xbox Series X below!

This time it is Microsoft who has expanded its accessibility range by introducing the new Xbox Adaptive Joystick.

Due to be released some time next year, the Adaptive Joystick is a singular joystick which acts like one half of the standard controller.

It has two triggers and four face buttons which are also completely remappable and can feature the same UI as the current Xbox Adaptive Controller so customers don’t have to learn a whole new format.

As well as that, the Adaptive Joystick can also be used alongside the Adaptive Controller or even a standard Xbox Controller.

Additionally, it can be mounted if customers are unable to hold it directly.

The Joystick is featured in this quick showcase by Xbox and shows that it comes alongside a two metre cable.

Not only does this mean it is more accessible and lightweight by not having batteries but this also makes the hardware a lot cheaper.

It is good to see Microsoft also work to keep costs down on their strive to add more accessibility options.

Additionally, the company reportedly worked with players with disabilities to help develop this new piece of hardware.

Last but not least, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick will also arrive in easily accessible packaging with an easily foldable cardboard box and no twist ties to impede access.

With the tagline “when everybody plays, we all win”, it is clear that Microsoft is continuing to break the mould when it comes to accessibility options.

Let us hope this continues way into the future.