Gamescom has already brought us plenty of big game reveals, but Microsoft also spent time highlighting its accessibility initiatives, which include four new products. One of the best third-party controller manufacturers, 8BitDo, partnered with Microsoft to create a brand-new wireless Xbox and PC controller. Available now at Amazon, the 8BitDo Lite SE features 12 low-resistance face buttons and oversized, detachable Dual Super Buttons–the same ones found with 8BitDo’s stellar retro keyboards. easy to press in the heat of battle. Like all 8BitDo controllers, the price of the Lite SE is on the budget side at just $60.
$60
Officially licensed by Xbox and compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC, the 8BitDo Lite SE is built from the ground up for accessibility.
Its buttons have lower resistance than traditional gamepads and the sticks are “highly sensitive,” meaning users don’t have to apply as much pressure for inputs to register.
The Lite SE moves the bumpers and triggers next to the ABXY face buttons and D-pad (with individual buttons).
As mentioned, the Dual Super Buttons are the same as the ones bundled with 8BitDo’s mechanical keyboards, and their large size and programmable nature should make them great for a wide range of inputs. As a nice bonus, the Super Buttons are compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, giving owners of Microsoft’s first-party accessibility controller another module option.
With support for 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software X software, users can adjust stick sensitivity and remap inputs. The Lite SE can save up to three custom profiles that can be cycled through on the fly. It connects wirelessly to Xbox and PC vis the included 2.4GHz dongle. Wired connection is supported with the included USB-C charging cable.
Microsoft also showed off the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, which is built as a singular joystick that works alongside the Xbox Adaptive Controller. It’s expected to release in early 2025 for $30. Then there’s the Proteus Controller, which is a premium, $299 gadget that’s highly modular and supports over 100 million custom configurations.
8BitDo is no stranger to officially licensed Xbox products, as the company recently released the Ultimate 3-Mode Controller for Xbox. It includes its own charging dock, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, and works as wired controller on Xbox and wirelessly on PC and mobile. If you’re a Prime member, you can now snag it for $55 (was $70).
If you’re not interested in picking up a new gamepad but want to bring more accessibility features to your game room, take a look at the new 3D printable adaptive thumbstick toppers announced by Xbox. These can be found at the Xbox Design Lab and work with the Xbox Wireless Controller, Elite Series 2, and Adaptive Joystick.
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