Xbox Adaptive Controller Review: Gaming Made Accessible
9/10 — Xbox Adaptive Controller
Works with: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Pros
- Opens up gaming to players with limited mobility
- 19 ports for switches, buttons and joysticks
- Works alongside a standard controller with Copilot
- Thoughtful, accessible packaging and design
Cons
- Accessories needed to get the most from it can add up
- Large footprint
The Xbox Adaptive Controller, launched in 2018, isn’t designed to replace a standard pad for most players. It’s designed for gamers with limited mobility, who may struggle to use a conventional controller, and it’s one of the most important pieces of gaming hardware Microsoft has ever made.
Design
It’s a large, flat unit with two big programmable buttons and a D-pad on top. The real power is around the back: 19 3.5mm ports and two USB ports let you connect switches, buttons, joysticks and other assistive devices, each mapped to a different controller input. That means a setup can be built around a player’s needs, using their feet, head or whatever works best.
Microsoft also designed the packaging so it can be opened easily with one hand or limited dexterity, a detail that shows how carefully it was thought through.
Features
The Copilot feature lets two controllers act as one, so a friend or carer can help with tricky sections, or a player can combine the Adaptive Controller with a standard pad. It works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows PCs.
Verdict
The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a landmark in accessible gaming. The cost of switches and add-ons can add up, but for many players, it’s the difference between being able to play and not. Every console maker should follow its lead.
