Microsoft’s new video game controller is making gaming more accessible
The company has announced the release of a mass-produced game controller designed for people with disabilities.
Some background: While some independent companies have created game controllers targeted at this demographic, the Xbox Adaptive Controller will be the first one released by the actual creator of a major console. It will be available for purchase later this year and is compatible with games played on XBox One and Windows 10.
How it works: The key is adaptability. Because standard game controllers require a significant level of dexterity to manipulate, the devices can be limiting to people without perfect control of their hands. The adaptive controller’s programmable buttons and 19 inputs allow various buttons, switches, and levers to be modified to suit a user’s mobility.
Why it matters: There are more than 33 million gamers in North America with disabilities. This is the latest step in embracing these players and welcoming them into the gaming community.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
The inside story of how ChatGPT was built from the people who made it
Exclusive conversations that take us behind the scenes of a cultural phenomenon.
ChatGPT is about to revolutionize the economy. We need to decide what that looks like.
New large language models will transform many jobs. Whether they will lead to widespread prosperity or not is up to us.
Sam Altman invested $180 million into a company trying to delay death
Can anti-aging breakthroughs add 10 healthy years to the human life span? The CEO of OpenAI is paying to find out.
GPT-4 is bigger and better than ChatGPT—but OpenAI won’t say why
We got a first look at the much-anticipated big new language model from OpenAI. But this time how it works is even more deeply under wraps.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.