🕹️ The Xbox Adaptive Controller

The Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC), released in 2018, was created to make gaming more accessible for people with limited mobility. Unlike traditional controllers, the XAC is built to adapt to you, offering flexibility to fit a wide range of needs.

What It Is

At its core, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a customizable hub. It features:

• 19 input ports for external switches, buttons, and joysticks.
• Two large programmable buttons and a D-pad on top.
• USB ports for external joysticks.
• Compatibility with Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.

How It Works

You can connect all sorts of devices — like large buttons, light-touch buttons, foot pedals, or joysticks — to replace the standard controls on a regular gamepad. Whether you play with your hands, feet, head, or other assistive devices, the XAC lets you build a setup that works for you. It can also be mounted to a wheelchair tray or tabletop for easy reach.

A Whole Ecosystem of Options

Since its launch, an entire ecosystem of compatible switches and joysticks has grown around the XAC. One of the most popular options is the Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit, which includes a variety of plug-and-play buttons and triggers, such as:

• Small Buttons (x3)
• Large Buttons (x3)
• Variable Triggers (x2)
• Light Touch Buttons (x4)
• Plus additional mounting accessories and game mats to help position the devices.

These accessories allow for endless combinations, making it easier to create a custom control layout that fits specific abilities and preferences.

Personal Experience

I’ve experimented with a lot of joystick and button configurations. Unfortunately, my condition causes really quick muscle fatigue when using my fingers to push buttons, but I’ve recently had a lot of success using a combination of lip presses using light tough buttons, a small joystick from Evil Controllers, and larger buttons that I press with my hands. You can check out more about this setup here.

Why It Matters

For players who struggle with standard controllers due to disabilities or injuries, the Xbox Adaptive Controller makes gaming possible and enjoyable again. After more than five years on the market, it’s become a trusted solution for accessible gaming, backed by a growing range of compatible tools.

Final Thought

If a traditional controller isn’t working for you, the Xbox Adaptive Controller — paired with switches like those from the Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit — offers a practical, customizable way to play and helps make gaming more inclusive for everyone.

I want Pushing Buttons to be a comprehensive resource for Xbox Adaptive Controller-compatible accessories, setups, and tips — we’ve already added a few items to the Gear section and will be updating it regularly as we discover and test new options. If you have any gear you think we should highlight, let us know in the comments!