Today, in recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re sharing an update to the Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers available today through XBOX Design Lab.

Improved XBOX Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers, Including a New Design Option

As we shared during Microsoft’s Ability Summit, we’re continuing our commitment to customizable control solutions. Based on player feedback, we’ve improved the attachment design so the toppers better endure higher force use and stay securely in place during gameplay. We’re also expanding the lineup with a new, highly requested option: the Goal Post shape (image above), giving players even more ways to tailor their setup.

Players can access both options starting today. To explore the updated topper program, head to XBOX Design Lab, choose the controller you’d like to design a topper for, and select from seven available shapes, including the new Goal Post shape. From there, you can customize the width and height that work best for you and download a 3D printable file, at no charge, that you can use to print the topper for your compatible controllers. No need to buy a controller to download the file, you just need access to a 3-D printer or printing service.

Improved Accessible Gaming Page on XBOX.com

We’re launching a refresh of the Accessible Gaming page on XBOX.com today to make it easier for players to learn about the accessibility features and tools available across XBOX. The updated page introduces clearer content, improved navigation, and a more approachable layout, helping players more quickly find what they need and understand how XBOX supports different ways to play.

To learn more, visit the Accessible Gaming page on XBOX.com and explore the tools and features available to help you game your way.

Celebrating Our Accessibility Journey Across XBOX

Making Accessibility Visible and Discoverable with Accessibility Tags 

Today, more players than ever rely on inclusive experiences to help connect them with games they enjoy, and to make accessibility features truly beneficial, players need to understand which features each game supports and how to discover titles that fit their needs. Accessibility tags, such as the Accessible Games Initiative tags, are available now within XBOX storefronts and can help players filter and find experiences that match their preferences.

Forza Horizon 6

Forza Horizon 6 launched this week, continuing Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios’ commitment to accessibility with returning features and thoughtful new additions meant to give more players the freedom to explore, race, and play their way through Japan on their terms. Many of these updates were shaped through close collaboration with the gaming and disability community, advocates, and accessibility experts. You can read more about these key features, including AutoDrive via ANNA (D-pad), Proximity Radar, High Contrast Mode, and a post-launch update to enable American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) for cinematics, here.

Kiln

Double Fine’s Kiln delivers a creative spin on multiplayer, blending fast-paced team battles with a unique pottery-driven twist where players sculpt their own ceramic fighters – turning creativity into a key part of the strategy.

Alongside its charming premise, the game includes a variety of accessibility features such as flexible text settings, visual accessibility options, remappable controls, and more to help players tailor their experience. Learn more about Kiln’s accessibility features here.

Sea of Thieves

Since Sea of Thieves’ launch eight years ago, more than 50% of the game’s 100+ updates have included accessibility improvements, from control remapping to features like Audio Aim Assist, helping players with low or no sight take on enemies independently.

Today, the studio’s focus is on ensuring new content launches with accessibility features built in from day one, including the recent Bilge Rats Weekender event, which brought the customizable Custom Text Overlay feature to the Challenge Parchment, building on earlier work with Riddle Maps.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Gaming is better when more players can take part, compete, connect, and belong. Recently, Activision introduced new accessibility options in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, all part of its mission to embed inclusive design throughout the game development cycle. These include:

• Support for Cephable, supporting players with limited mobility and allowing them to control the game using voice, facial expressions, head movements, and customizable inputs via a mobile or desktop app.
• Advanced Motion Control settings, designed to help reduce motion-related discomfort without changing gameplay itself, helping players who are sensitive to fast camera movement or visually busy screens.

New Research from Activision Highlights the Power of Play

Activision is also excited to share findings from a new, commissioned study by the Royal National Institute of Blind People, presented at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, highlighting gaming’s impact on players who are blind or partially sighted. The study found that 84% reported improved social interaction and 87% cited stress relief, underscoring gaming’s role in connection and well-being.

You can explore a summary of the research on the Activision Research site, along with a podcast featuring insights from researchers and developers.

Join teams across XBOX in celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day as we continue to advance inclusive design and create more accessible experiences for all players.