Microsoft’s Super Bowl commercial featuring kids with special needs is so heartwarming

Whether you came for the football, the snacks, the camaraderie or the commercials, there’s no denying that companies take advantage of the opportunity to have millions of viewers watch their ads on Super Bowl game day. Microsoft certainly had this moment during the 2019 Super Bowl. As many families and friends gathered together to watch a football game, the company aired a commercial that centered on a different kind of gameplay, one that’s more inclusive for everyone.

Microsoft showed off their Xbox adaptive controller in a heartwarming commercial that centered around the stories of Grover, Owen, Taylor and several more children living with disabilities. In the promo, the kids talk about how being able to play video games with their friends on an equal playing field enriches their lives.

The company shared the commercial on its official YouTube channel. Watch it below, but not before grabbing some tissues. Seriously, just try not to cry when Owen’s dad discusses how big of a difference the controller makes for his son:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YISTzpLXCY

On YouTube, the video is accompanied by this caption: “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.”

The commercial has garnered a largely positive reaction on social media.

Twitter user Caroline McCarthy pointed out how important the ad was:

Meanwhile, Patti Murin said that the sweet commercial actually made sitting through the otherwise lackluster game worth it:

Others, like Twitter users Eric Lauzin and Ben Cunningham, simply reacted to the ad with emotional photos and emojis:

The idea behind the commercial definitely is a powerful one, honing in on just how important play and camaraderie is for all children. Because as the advertisement states, “When everybody plays, we all win.”

The Patriots may have technically defeated the Rams, but it feels like these amazing kids and their families were the real Super Bowl winners!