Design
The Xbox Adaptive Controller has a slim rectangular frame, measuring 292 × (L×W×H); the controller alone weighs 552 g.[13] The face of the controller has two large, domed buttons that can be mapped to any function using the Xbox Accessories app; these are each 4 in in diameter and their default mapping is to the A (left, closer to D-pad) and B (right) face buttons on a standard controller. Each of the two large dome buttons make a different sound when depressed to help players distinguish between them.[14] The face also includes a large D-pad, menu button, view button, and the Xbox home button that are featured on a standard Xbox Wireless Controller. In addition, a button allows the player to select one of three saved profiles.
The controller features two USB-A 2.0 ports, one on each side; the USB ports are used to connect devices that map to left and right analog stick functions, corresponding to the side of the XAC. The left side also includes a 3.5mm jack for stereo audio output.
The back of the frame has nineteen 3.5 mm jacks that allow multiple assistive input devices to be connected; each jack corresponds to a different button, trigger, bumper, or D-pad function on the standard Xbox One controller. The Xbox Adaptive Controller supports Windows 10 devices and Xbox One, Series X, and Series S consoles and is compatible with every game at a system level. Each port is also labeled on the face of the controller, and there is a short vertical groove leading to the port from the top of the rear panel, facilitating the installation of assistive inputs. The jacks are designed to require more force than usual to insert or remove a plug, preventing inadvertent disconnection of the assistive input devices.[14] Any of the nineteen ports can be used for a "shift" function, which can add a second function to any of the other ports or buttons on the controller.[14]
There are three machine screw sockets (one threaded 1/4"-20 UNC and two threaded #10-24 UNC) on its underside for mounting the controller.[15] The XAC is equipped with an internal battery that is charged by a USB-C port on the rear panel. A white battery indicator light is provided on the face of the controller, just below the View button; it flashes while charging, and stops flashing when the battery is full.[16] When the battery is low, the light will turn orange.[17] In addition, a coaxial power connector port (5 VDC, 2 A) is provided for attached USB accessories that require additional power, such as the QuadStick. The required AC adapter is sold separately.[17]
The controller is equipped with both the Xbox Wireless Controller communications protocol and Bluetooth 4.1 (Classic Bluetooth HID profile), allowing it to be connected wirelessly to devices other than an Xbox or Windows PC.[18] Alternatively, the controller may be connected via the USB-C port on the back using the included 9 ft long USB-A to -C cable.[14] According to Phil Spencer, the Adaptive Controller is not hardware-locked to Xbox, and was developed with the intention to be used with any gaming platform,[19] with Microsoft opening dialogue with Valve, Nintendo and Sony towards this effort.[20] Further supporting that broad compatibility, Bluetooth LE (HID over GATT Profile) connectivity was added in a 2021 firmware update.[21]
Accessories
In addition to the Adaptive Controller, specialized input devices that were developed as part of the project include:[3]
In 2019, peripheral manufacturer Logitech released its Adaptive Gaming Kit, which bundles 12 buttons and triggers with velcro mounting pads for the Adaptive Controller at a retail price of US$99.99; prior to this, individual inputs were priced around US$50 each.[23]
- PDP One-Handed Joystick, a USB analog thumbstick with two digital buttons for the index finger that resembles a Wii Nunchuk.[22][14]
- The Quadstick (a mouth-operated joystick)
