Microsoft has partnered up with one of my favorite controller manufacturers to create an accessible controller

8BitDo caught my attention a few years back because of its retro aesthetics and long battery life. Its undeniable value has kept me coming to test new products when they are launched. The C64-themed keyboard is beautiful and the retro mechanical numeric pads are a fun oddity. However, the Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is a powerful device with a great feel and connectivity.

Microsoft recently announced a partnership with 8BitDo that will use its talents to create the new Lite SE Xbox Controller. It is completely flat and comes with a dongle for wireless connectivity. At the top, there are two jacks to plug in the Super Buttons. These are large, instantly programmable buttons that can be used to quickly access controls you would otherwise struggle to find.

The controller is similar to 8BitDo Lite's original version, but with fewer buttons. It also features Xbox's iconic graphics. It also has sensitive Hall Effect joysticks, and "low resistance buttons", which make it easier for those with limited mobility to move. Amazon has it for $60 right now. Microsoft has announced a number of new accessible controllers. This is not the only one.

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick will be a new controller component that launches in 2025. It's a small remote that has a USB-C connector at the bottom, six buttons and can be plugged directly into an Xbox or PC. This Adaptive Joystick looks a lot like the PDP One-Handed Joystick, and, more obviously a Nintendo Wii Nunchuk, for which Microsoft discontinued official support in 2022. Microsoft's website only mentions PDP's efforts if you access an archive.

In an advertisement announcing the Xbox Adaptive Joystick a few users are shown using the controller. If you have trouble holding an Xbox Core Controller, you can remap the buttons and pair the Adaptive Joystick to the Xbox Adaptive Controller of 2018. The Xbox site shows a person using the controller by placing it around their neck with custom 3D-printed grips. Xbox Design Lab has all adaptive thumbstick toppers available right now.

The Byowave Protus Controller, which is a kit that allows you to build your own controller using modular parts, is now available for purchase. All buttons and stick can be swapped and you can customize the controller for different hand sizes, shapes, and mobility ranges. It's expensive at $300 but its incredible customization levels could make it essential to some gamers.