Why isn't the Xbox Adaptive Controller more mainstream?

#Xbox Adaptive Controller store page: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessorie...
GameXData on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gamexdata.bs...

As possibly the most modular controller ever conceived, the Xbox Adaptive Controller provides users the freedom to add whatever controls they want in whatever configuration they want. This high level of customization greatly benefits folks with physical disabilities who might need to configure their setups with specific arrangements or niche peripherals. However, the idea of a heavily customizable controller with analog button remapping and mechanical switches seems like it could also find a lot of use with more mainstream audiences. So, why it not talked about more?


Product Links

Smallrig stand: https://amzn.to/41urN1t
DJI compact stand: https://amzn.to/4bjRpkX
Ulanzi Ball Mount: https://amzn.to/4kePjHi
Nunchuk adapter: https://amzn.to/4gYNfQN
Stereo cable adapters: https://amzn.to/43ccf3M

8BitDo Buttons: https://shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bit...
Logitech Buttons: https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/produ...
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=xbox+ad...


Extra details

During recording, I started to experience issues using Adaptive Controller inputs with OpenEmu on MacOS on my MacBook. (It wouldn't recognize any inputs.) However, the Controller still connected fine to my MacBook via Steam and I was able to get it to work previously with OpenEmu. So, your experiences may vary.
Remapping the built-in pads also affects the ports corresponding to their buttons. When I've remapped the pads with my ABXY keys plugged in, I've done so by plugging them into other random ports and remapping those as necessary.
The joystick ports support many more buttons than available on a Nunchuk. During testing, I plugged in a Wii Classic controller and was able to use all of its buttons. Unfortunately, the controller's not designed to handle inputs like that and doesn't map the controls in a standard controller layout. As such, if you wanted to use a joystick with many buttons, you might have to fiddle a bit more to get it right.
Whenever adding a new button to my setup using my adapters, I typically open up Steam Input's Button Test to make sure everything's mapped correctly. If you're not using mono inputs without adapters, you also may need to have a button tester handy to get inputs right.


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Chapters

00:00 What is the Xbox Adaptive Controller?
01:55 Controller Specs
03:25 The Out-of-Box Experience
05:22 Input Customization: Buttons
07:27 Input Customization: Joystick
09:53 Software
13:13 Why isn't the Adaptive Controller more common?
17:01 Summary