The app was initially created for use with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, allowing users to confirm controller customisation via the Xbox Accessories app interface. With the remapping feature now carried over to standard controllers, Xbox One players have the option of switching the left and right triggers around, remapping the face buttons and modifying controls to suit their preferences.
Microsoft’s update follows a similar release from Sony, when a button remapping ability for the PlayStation 4’s DualShock controller was introduced in the March 2.50 ‘Yukimura’ update. The firmware update included several accessibility features for the PlayStation 4 including zoom, colour inversion, text-to-speech, enlarged text, bold fonts and high contrast user interface settings.
The Xbox One console also provides several ease of access features, some of which are found in other Microsoft products, including narrator, magnifier and high contrast options for people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as closed captioning options for people who are Deaf or hearing impaired.
Microsoft’s Xbox Accessories app comes pre-installed with the November 2015 update of the Xbox One console, and can be enabled by going to ‘My games & apps’ and searching for ‘Xbox Accessories.’ The app is also available to install on compatible Windows 10 PCs, however standard controller configuration is not supported in the Windows 10 version of the app.
More information on how to customise a standard Xbox One Wireless Controller with the Xbox Accessories app is available via Microsoft’s Xbox support website.
Update: The SpecialEffect Gamers' Charity channel on YouTube have provided a walkthrough of the button mapping feature [with open captions]:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zaediww_zvY&feature=youtu.be
You may also like:
- Our accessible gaming page, providing mainstream information for players and resources for developers.
- Information on desktop accessibility features, covering Windows and Mac computers.
- Mobile accessibility covering iOS, Android and Windows phone and tablet devices.
- Information on web accessibility, covering major browser features, how to find accessible media, how to caption videos and more.
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