Microsoft, Byowave and 8BitDo Team Up to Create New ‘Designed for Xbox’ Accessibility Controllers
Microsoft announced a new range of ‘Designed for Xbox’ accessibility controllers at Gamescom 2024. One of them is developed by Microsoft itself, while others come from manufacturers Byowave and 8BitDo.
First up is the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. Launching in “early 2025,” it’ll be available exclusively through the Microsoft Store for $29.99 (around £24.99). This is an entry-level wired joystick “designed to meet the needs of players with limited mobility as a companion to the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2,” according to a Microsoft press release.
Next up is Byowave’s ‘Designed for Xbox’ Proteus controller. Now available to purchase from Byowave’s website , this is a highly modular controller that allows players to snap together individual, spherical pieces to tailor a gaming experience to their needs and preferences. Some examples are stacked vertically to resemble a flight stick, or as a 2×2 layout with sticks and modules facing outward. At $299 (around £229), it certainly doesn’t come cheap.
Finally, we have 8BitDo’s contribution: the 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox. 8BitDo regularly features in our guides to the best Xbox controllers and best PC controllers , and it’s no surprise that the brand’s new accessibility pad features low-resistance face buttons, Hall-effect thumbsticks, and an ambidextrous layout for ease of use. It’s also compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller and is available to buy now for $59.99 from 8BitDo Website.
Microsoft is also expanding its Xbox Design Lab service to include 3D Printable Files for Adaptive Thumbstick ToppersMicrosoft offers this service for free, and there are six thumbstick designs available to suit different play styles and preferences.
