The Xbox Elite Controller a remarkable breakthrough for disabled gamers

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Published onOctober 17, 2016

published onOctober 17, 2016

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A little more than a year ago, Microsoft introduced a new Xbox One controller for hardcore gamers during its E3 2015 presentation. Called theXbox Elite Wireless controller, the new gamepad was designed in collaboration with pro-level players and offered premium materials, extra buttons on the back andmore mapping options through the Xbox Accessories app.

While the $149 controller quickly became apopular hit among Xbox enthusiasts, the customizable gamepad also offers a lot of value for people with disabilities who need special and expensive controllers to enjoy video games. Craig Kaufman, Program Director at theAbleGamers Foundationexplained why to the folks over atEngadget.

“There’s a social isolation that happens for people with disabilities when you’re inside all the time,” explained Kaufman to Engadget. That’s why the AbleGamers Foundation tries to help improve the quality of life of people with disabilities through the power of video games. According to Kaufman, the removable parts, extra buttons and mapping options found on the Xbox Elite controller can sometimes be a good replacement for more specialized controllers that can be used with one hand or mounted on a wheelchair. That’s why the foundation has started buying Xbox One Elite controller to give them away to disabled people.

To demonstrate the versatility of the controller, Kaufman even filmed a video of himself using the controller with his mouth and just one hand and showed it to a man who lost the use of one his hands. “This is a $150 solution that you can go buy at Wal-Mart, and it helped that dude with a stroke play games. That’s huge,” he explained. Kaufman also sent Microsoft a gamepad layout for first-party titleGears of War 4that doesn’t use the controller’s triggers, and Microsoft accepted it.

Lastly, Kaufman explained that it makes sense for the video games industry to be more inclusive to sell more games, and Microsoft seems well aware of it according to him. “The fact that we give these out is huge for them, and they’re always looking at how to include more players,” he added.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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