The conversation around accessibility in gaming has evolved far beyond simple button remapping. Today, developers and platform makers are embracing a more holistic view of control customization, recognizing that every player’s needs are unique. From specialized hardware to groundbreaking software, recent innovations are redefining what it means to make games truly playable for everyone. Here’s a look at some real world examples that are pushing customizable control schemes to new heights.
In 2024, Microsoft built on the Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) with the new Adaptive Joystick, a one-handed device that works alongside the XAC or standard gamepads through the updated “Controller Assist” mode. Players can mount the joystick for easier positioning, and customize every button to fit their needs. Microsoft also introduced 3D-printable stick toppers for better grip and a “toggle hold” feature that locks a button with a single press, giving players who can’t hold buttons down continuous input. These additions show Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to making control schemes flexible for gamers with diverse physical abilities.
Meta’s XR accessibility efforts continue to mature. According to Meta’s Horizon OS design documentation, hand-tracking serves as a full input mode, with ergonomic best practices guiding UI layout, such as avoiding requiring users to reach beyond comfortable zones or sustain pinch gestures for long periods. Developers are encouraged to offer hand-based interactions for primary actions and support mixed-input models, letting users shift between hand-tracking and controller use seamlessly. These design guidelines aim to make VR more user-friendly and accessible, especially for those who face challenges with traditional gamepads.
Sony’s Access Controller for PS5, launched globally in late 2023, provides a circular, modular gamepad with swappable buttons and stick caps to suit various mobility needs. Software options let players save up to 30 profiles, fine-tune stick sensitivity, and assign multiple functions to a single button. Players can even pair multiple Access Controllers with a DualSense for hybrid setups involving helpers. With four 3.5mm ports for additional switches, the Access Controller integrates both hardware and software features to lower barriers for players with physical disabilities.
GLYDR is a new dual-foot controller designed to let players map up to 16 in-game actions to foot gestures, with customizable dead zones and sensitivity settings. Originally inspired by VR locomotion, it now aims to help players with limited upper-body mobility by offloading complex commands to the feet. GLYDR’s profile system allows different configurations for various games, making it a flexible alternative control scheme. The first units are expected to ship in mid-2025, signaling fresh thinking about how gamers interact with their favorite titles.
playAbility, launched in late 2024, uses AI to convert facial expressions and assistive devices into virtual gamepad inputs. Compatible with standard webcams and many assistive controllers, it lets players assign movements like winks, eyebrow raises, or head tilts to game actions, and integrates hardware like wheelchair joysticks or sip-and-puff devices. This customization supports players with severe mobility limitations by translating their unique inputs into precise in-game controls, pushing accessibility beyond traditional remapping.
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Whether through hardware innovations like the PS5 Access Controller and GLYDR, or software breakthroughs like AI-driven input mapping, developers now have more tools than ever to ensure their games are welcoming to players of all abilities. By thinking beyond remappable buttons, the industry is moving closer to a future where every gamer can find their perfect way to play.