Microsoft Unveils One-Handed Xbox Adaptive Joystick for Enhanced Accessibility
Punjab News
Microsoft has created the Xbox Adaptive Joystick specifically for gamers with limited mobility.
Microsoft recently announced the launch of its new Xbox Adaptive Joystick, which enables gamers to operate the controller using just one hand.
This new single-handed controller is specifically designed for players with limited mobility and is also suitable for individuals who find it challenging to use the thumbsticks on traditional controller layouts. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick acts as a companion to the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers, featuring four buttons on the top and two additional buttons for bumper and trigger controls.
The innovative controller is customizable, allowing players to remap all buttons, and it includes printable 3D thumbstick toppers that enable adjustments to the size, height, and width of the thumbstick.
Microsoft states that players can connect the Adaptive Controller for a complete adaptive setup or plug it directly into their PC or Xbox. The Xbox Adaptive Controller is priced at $29.99 (approximately Rs 2,500) and will be available on the Microsoft Store early next year.
Alongside the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, the company introduced a new Lite SE controller from 8BitDo, designed for gamers with limited mobility. This controller features low-resistance buttons, all positioned on the top, and includes Hall Effect joysticks.
Additionally, Microsoft is testing a new feature for Xbox users aimed at making controller usage easier, especially for those who struggle with prolonged button presses. Currently available to Xbox Insiders, the new toggle hold feature functions similarly to sticky keys on Windows, allowing users to press any button or port on the Adaptive Controller, Adaptive Joystick, or Elite Series 2 controller and keep it pressed until released. Earlier this year, Microsoft also launched Proteus, a customizable controller designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Microsoft Restructures Xbox Division, Resulting in 650 Job Cuts
Microsoft’s recent layoffs mark the second round of job cuts after the tech giant’s acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard.
Tech layoffs, Microsoft: On Thursday, September 12, Microsoft laid off over 650 employees from its gaming division. The job cuts were disclosed by Xbox chief Phil Spencer in an internal memo, as reported by The Verge.
Spencer was quoted saying, “As part of aligning our post-acquisition team structure and managing our business, we have made the decision to eliminate approximately 650 roles across Microsoft Gaming – mostly corporate and supporting functions – to organize our business for long term success.”
He clarified that these layoffs will not result in the cancellation of any games, devices, or experiences.
This latest round of job cuts is linked to Microsoft’s substantial acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company behind popular video games like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush Saga. After extensive negotiations with regulators in the UK and US, Microsoft finalized the $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard in October of the previous year. Earlier in 2024, Microsoft had already laid off over 1,900 employees, reducing its 22,000-strong gaming unit by 8 percent, and also closed several game studios, including Arkane Austin, the developer of Redfall.
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