In an inspiring move to make gaming more accessible for players of all abilities, Xbox unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its lineup of inclusive gaming peripherals at the Microsoft Ability Summit. With over 429 million gamers around the world living with some form of disability, accessibility and inclusive design have become critical areas of focus for the gaming industry, and Xbox continues to lead the charge.
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At the summit, Xbox proudly announced the release of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, an innovative device designed to provide more gaming options for players with diverse needs. Priced at $29.99 USD ERP ($44.95 AUD), the Adaptive Joystick is now officially available for purchase, exclusively through the Microsoft Store.
This new controller sets itself apart with its versatility. Built to seamlessly integrate into existing setups, the Adaptive Joystick works with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles as well as Windows 11 PCs. It complements other Xbox controllers, including the widely acclaimed Xbox Adaptive Controller, the Xbox Wireless Controller, and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. By offering this new tool, Xbox further solidifies its commitment to empowering all players, regardless of their physical abilities, to enjoy the gaming experiences they love.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Alongside the announcement of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, Xbox has been celebrating milestones from its independent developer program, ID@Xbox. In a blog post published on Xbox Wire in conjunction with GDC 2025, ID@Xbox Director Guy Richards reflected on the program’s impact and shared key achievements.
According to Richards, more than 1,000 Xbox games now Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA), allowing players to enjoy their favorite titles across both console and PC platforms. XPA-ed games have proven their popularity, with players spending 20% more hours on these titles compared to non-XPA games—a testament to the program’s success in enhancing accessibility and flexibility for gamers.
Since its inception in 2013, the ID@Xbox program has achieved another impressive milestone: over $5 billion paid to independent developers worldwide. This financial has helped foster creativity and innovation among smaller studios, allowing them to share untold stories and fresh perspectives on Xbox platforms.
In addition, the Developer Acceleration Program, a significant initiative under the ID@Xbox umbrella, has empowered over 200 teams globally. Through this program, Xbox is amplifying voices from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that the gaming landscape is more inclusive and representative. With 75 games already launched and more on the way, the program is proving to be a crucial pipeline for new talent in the industry.
To showcase these remarkable achievements, Xbox recently hosted a hands-on event at GDC 2025, where 11 new XPA titles were made available to of the press and content creators. Developers from 10 different countries were represented at the event, highlighting the global reach and collaborative spirit of the ID@Xbox program.
The combination of the Adaptive Joystick’s release and the success of ID@Xbox signals a bright future for gaming, where inclusivity and innovation walk hand in hand. Xbox’s focus on accessibility and independent development ensures that gaming experiences remain not just fun and engaging but also welcoming and diverse.
As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, Xbox’s initiatives serve as a shining example of how thoughtful design and investment in creativity can make a lasting impact. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, Xbox is ensuring that gaming remains a universal language that everyone can participate in and enjoy.