Several days ago, an image depicting a controller created for more accessibility on Xbox One leaked online, with the peripheral displaying a uniquely designed rectangular shape with the official Xbox branding on it. Now, Microsoft has officially confirmed that the controller is indeed real, and it is being called the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The technology company has stated that it was built to make gaming more accessible to people with a broad range of disabilities.

As detailed in the video below, the Microsoft Product Marketing team member James Shields explains that while the design scheme for the traditional Xbox One controller is beloved by the console's fans, it doesn't offer much in the way for those with limited mobility or gamers who don't use their hands. The clip displays how the new Adaptive Controller can benefit those who find it difficult to play due to certain physical limitations by showing how "a gamer can game with one hand and one foot, or one hand and their shoulder, or even one foot and their chin."

As indicated by its name, the Xbox Adaptive Controller's settings and setups can be changed from game to game, ultimately adapting to each individual's particular needs so as to facilitate a smoother and more accommodating experience no matter the title. What's more is that the hardware connects to various external switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks in order to help make gaming more accessible to everyone.

As the medium has progressed, accessibility options in video games have slowly and surely advanced alongside the technology's evolution, but Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller appears to be a product that can successfully help bridge the gap even more so for gamers who need additional alternatives to suit their needs. Obviously, it's not going to be a complete solution for many games, but through the use of peripherals and the ability to remap buttons, the Xbox Adaptive Controller could offer a nearly innumerable amount of possibilities.

Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller is currently scheduled to release at some point later this year.

Source: Xbox – YouTube