Microsoft has developed a new, innovative controller for the Xbox. A commercial during Super Bowl 2019 introduced the controller. Fans are moved, as it appeals to a very specific group of gamers. However, there is also criticism.
With the Xbox Adaptive Controller, Microsoft is launching a controller for gamers and players with physical disabilities. The idea: a completely customizable controller for all sorts of needs.
The Adaptive Controller was shown in a short clip during Super Bowl LIII. Young gamers, especially children with disabilities, play a significant role in this. Many gamers react with joy to Microsoft’s step and what can be achieved with the controller. However, there is also some criticism of it.
This is how the community reacts
Clip celebrated as “Highlight of the Super Bowl”: Since the clip aired during the Super Bowl, it is often mentioned in this context. The Executive Producer of “The Game Awards”, Geoff Keighley, even described the clip as the highlight of the Super Bowl.
Other users on Twitter also respond particularly positively under Keighley’s tweet with praise and thanks. Many are moved by the advertisement and happy that more gamers will be able to play.
The clip is also a contrast to the halftime show, which the internet community considers to be overwhelmingly bad. The official YouTube clip of the show alone has nearly 150,000 dislikes to just about 20,000 likes.
Joy over progressive thinking: A thread appeared on reddit discussing the clip from Super Bowl LIII. The post was titled: “Think what you want about Microsoft, but what they do for disadvantaged gamers is incredible.”
Many reactions are positive, and gamers are happy that Microsoft enables disadvantaged children to game. The advertisement itself was also praised for not simply relying on sad faces and pity, but showing how happy the children are while gaming.
There is also a sense of pride in sharing a hobby that excludes no one. User VagrantShadow on reddit summarizes this:
It doesn’t matter which system you prefer, which genre you love, or how much you play. It’s always a wonderful thing when we can include more people in gaming. It’s all about fun; let’s enjoy it together.
Criticism of the marketing: However, there are also voices that view the advertising more critically. Some users point out that the Adaptive Controller only opens up a new market.
By itself, this is not a bad thing; after all, corporations are there to make money. However, one should be aware that such a product is created not out of charity but by calculation.
The price of the controller is also heavily criticized. The controller itself costs in the Microsoft Store “estimated” €89.99. Additionally, there are various elements that can be connected, with one of the possible buttons costing as much as $65.
What is the Adaptive Controller?
The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a type of controller panel that resembles a large arcade controller with huge buttons in its basic structure. All controls are significantly larger and easy to reach.
The special thing about the controller is that all kinds of extensions can be connected via USB ports and audio jacks. Thus, every function that a standard controller has can be replaced by a hardware part, such as a large button, a joystick, or even pedals. Resourceful DIY enthusiasts can even create their own extensions through the connections.
The controller is designed to help especially people with limited mobility. The elements are meant to assist gamers who are missing body parts. The controller can be operated using hands, feet, chin, shoulders, and other body parts in any combination.
What do you think of the Xbox Adaptive Controller?
If you need something to game on the Xbox, here are the Games with Gold in February 2019.
