Xbox Series X Has Tactile Indicators Over its Ports

We’ve seen games taking significant steps forward toward being more accessible in recent years, with a greater effort from several in the industry to provide more options to players with disabilities. One of the best examples of that has been Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller, and it seems they’re looking to continue in that direction with next-gen hardware.

Recently taking to Twitter, Microsoft’s Inclusive Lead Bryce Johnson – who co-invented the aforementioned Xbox Adaptive Controller – revealed that Xbox Series X has tactile indicators over its powers for the blind, something that will also help with reach-around cabling.

In later tweets, Johnson clarified that the pattern of indicators over the ports isn’t “a standard”, and was instead “determined from working with our internal blind community.” He also explained that Braille wasn’t used because there wouldn’t be enough space on the console, and it would also present localization issues.

As Johnson mentions a couple of times in his tweets, its “not a complete solution”, but it’s still great to see Microsoft taking the initiative.

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S launch worldwide on November 10. Microsoft recently kicked off the marketing campaign for the two consoles with a new trailer- check it out through here.

Inclusive design tidbit. E suggested we put tactile indicators (for the blind) over the ports of the Xbox Series X, also helps for reach-around cabling. @KaitlynJones_ worked with the design team and our community. It's not a complete solution but we'll see how it does & learn. pic.twitter.com/9Mx7WkI3CF

— Bryce Johnson (https://a11y.info/@brycej) (@brycej) October 9, 2020

The pattern was determined from working with our internal blind community. It’s not a standard, we’ve thought of different approaches for different ports. We’re still learning

— Bryce Johnson (https://a11y.info/@brycej) (@brycej) October 10, 2020

I’m not aware of any standard. If you are talking about Braille there are two things that we wanted to stay away from. The size of proper Braille takes more room than we had and localization.

— Bryce Johnson (https://a11y.info/@brycej) (@brycej) October 10, 2020