Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller Brings Joy To Kid Gamers In This Super Bowl Commercial
Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner, and even if you're not into sports (or seeing Tom Brady add to his legacy with yet another championship ring, no matter what Madden NFL 19 says), one reason to watch is for the commercials. The Super Bowl is when companies blitz the world with humorous ad campaigns. However, Microsoft is planning a commercial that will hit you right in the feels instead of the funny bone.
Microsoft's upcoming Super Bowl ad is an extended version of its Xbox Adaptive Controller commercial that you might have already seen. Normally a game controller is not cause for getting emotional, but this is a different type of controller—it is designed for people with various disabilities, and primarily those with limited mobility.
"When technology empowers each of us, it empowers all of us. This Super Bowl, follow the inspirational story of passionate young gamers rising to the top of their game with a little help from their friends, family and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The story illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to building accessible technology that levels the playing field and creates opportunity for all of us," Microsoft says.
Microsoft built the Xbox Adaptive Controller from the group up through partnerships with The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect, Warfighter Engaged, and many other community members.
Whereas a traditional Xbox controller can be difficult to hold and manipulate for people with missing limbs or limited range of movement, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is designed to be more accessible. The bulk of the controller consists of two large programmable buttons. It also features 19 3.5mm jacks and two USB 2.0 ports for connecting external devices, plus another 3.5mm stereo headset jack.
The video game industry raked in $43.4 billion in revenue last year, which is nearly four times the money made by the top 100 movies of 2018. It's a lucrative business, for sure. Beyond that, however, at its best, playing games brings people together from all over the world.
"One of the biggest fears early on is, how will Owen be viewed by the other kids? He's not different when he plays," a choked up parent states in Microsoft's ad.
It's an inspiring commercial, and it's scheduled to air in the fourth quarter with the tagline, "When everybody plays, we all win."
