The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has published a patent application filed by Microsoft for an Xbox game controller with ‘haptic Braille chording capability’.

This patented controller offers numerous configurations and adaptations to enable gameplay for visually-impaired or blind players. The proposed controller uses a combination of paddles to provide a two-way communication – they can be used to control a game, and enter text for a chat session or offer the user touch feedback, with the paddles creating a Braille output.

This is not Microsoft’s first foray into accessible gaming. In 2018, the brand released the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Designed to meet the needs of those with limited mobility, the device unifies external devices and creates a controller system unique to the needs of the user.