Add-ons for accessible controllers

James Hustead · May 19, 2025

In 1995, I became a quadriplegic from a traumatic spinal cord injury., All four of my limbs were affected. At that time, one of your competitors had a fighting joystick that I could use. However, back then, gaming systems only had digital inputs—no analog controls existed yet.

After the third iteration of that competitor’s system, analog controllers started to gain massive popularity among gamers. Unfortunately, that was a turning point for me—not a good one. I could no longer use the fighting joystick, and just like that, I was essentially pushed out of console and video game playing for years.

Now, 29 years later, I’ve discovered that Xbox has an accessible controller—and I have to say, it’s incredible. I’m so glad Microsoft finally recognized that not everyone can use the standard controllers that come with gaming systems. For someone like me, that was never an option.

When I was at the rehabilitation center, I got to try the controller for the first time. It was a strange but amazing feeling—I was both happy and satisfied in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Now my question is this: Where can I find the buttons and accessories that plug into the back of the Adaptive Controller? I’d love to explore more ways to customize it for my needs.

:)

SwordofWhedon

basically anything that uses the standard 1/8 inch jack connectors hypothetically can work. The controller is specifically been designed to be as open as possible and schematics and things are published for independent makers

Joel M77

Hi James, my name is Joel, I'm here to help you with any problems or questions you may have.

James, currently available from Microsoft is this Joystick https://www.xbox.com/accessories/controllers/xb... which is compatible with the Xbox Adaptive Controller https://www.xbox.com/accessories/controllers/xb...

There are also other accessories, but made by third parties such as in the case of Logitech https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/products/gamepa...

Please note that this is just a public forum, I will respond in a short period of time as soon as possible, apologizing in advance for any delay in the response. I am simply a user trying to provide information and knowledge that may be useful to others, I am not an employee of Microsoft.

Regards

AirNebula732

Hey did you check the manage game add ons on the game to see if there was any extra files to download

Finding add-ons

For game add-ons—or DLC—the first place to check is in your games and apps (per above).

In your games list, focus on a game, press the Menu button on your controller, and then select Manage game & add-ons.

Some add-ons are accessed in the game rather than installed separately. Any installable add-ons or DLC not yet installed will appear under Ready to install.

MRallamagoosa

Old post but since there was no reply I'll put here some info in case it may help anyone with the same problem.

When you own extra content of a game and it has not been installed yet, it will be available under the "ready to install" section of that game. Just open the game's "game management" section and you'll find it; it will not appear in the general games and
apps content.

There's a nice guide also on the xbox official support website about additional content and add-ons: https://support.xbox.com/en-US/games/game-setup/view-downloadable-content

MightyQuinn75

Hi, I would highly recommend that you ensure his account is a child account, the birthday is correct and you add him to your family so you have full control over what he can and can't do and access. Thes re controls are here for exactly these reasons.
Here are instructions on how to add as a family and gain control over what he has access to in future https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/12417/microsoft-account-add-members-to-family

Add-ons for accessible controllers