Choosing Games

Choosing the right game is important when using/getting started with an adaptive controller. Some controllers may be more difficult to use to play certain types of games. For example, if using the Xbox Adaptive Controller, it may be difficult to play fast paced games with many controls, such as first-person shooter games unless adequate accessibility settings are available. For those starting with the Quadstick controller, it is reasonable to work up to more complex games, but it is better to start with simpler games when beginning with the controller. Games lie on a spectrum of difficulty and each user may have a different starting point. Different games will also vary with which accessibility settings are present. Some general things to keep in mind when choosing the most appropriate game for an adaptive gaming set up are:

1) How many buttons and joysticks are required to play the game?

2) Is the game dependent on the user’s speed of accessing the controls?

3) How complex is the gameplay and can the difficulty be adequately adjusted?

4) Are there any accessibility settings available in the game?

Below is a guide for classifying games based on difficulty with examples of games in each category. The difficulty of games doesn’t necessarily mean that they are easier or harder games to play in general, just that they are easier or harder to play using an adaptive controller.

How to Find Controls for a Specific Game

Just searching for the controls for a game on Google will typically give a good overview of the controls needed to play a specific game. Otherwise, this site provides a good comprehensive overview of the controls needed to play a specific game. Use the Search Bar to look up the game, then under the game click Guide, then under the Guide within the Appendix section click Controls. This section will provide an overview of the controls on all consoles the game is available on. Note that all games may not be found on this site.

  • Easy Games

    Easy games to play using adaptive controllers typically include games that require one joystick and only a few buttons to play. In addition, these games typically are not as dependent on the speed of the user. Many Nintendo Switch games are easy games as they do not require many controls. There are some options for easy games on Xbox and PlayStation, but they are typically more difficult to find on these consoles.

  • Intermediate Games

    Intermediate games are either single joystick games that are faster paced and require more controls, or some of the slower paced two joystick games. Many of these games are a good transition point for users interested in playing some of the more difficult games.

  • Hard Games

    Hard games require multiple joysticks and switches to play, and are fast paced (first person shooter games). If a user is interested in playing a first-person shooter game, it’s a good idea to start with an easier first-person shooter game (e.g. Star Wars Battlefront 2). Start at an easier difficulty level and then gradually increase over time as the user becomes more proficient with the controller. Never start with online play, as this will only cause frustration while being introduced to adaptive controller since the level of difficulty in the game cannot be adjusted.

  • Accessible Games

    Some games have built-in accessibility features that allow users to adjust in in-game settings to make gameplay easier with an adaptive controller. The Accessible Games Database has a list of games sorted by their built-in accessibility features and a site that reviews games based on accessibility is Can I Play That?. For specific consoles, including Xbox and PlayStation, Accessibility Tags for games can be listed which allows gamers to filter games based on the accessibility features available in the game.

Examples of Easy Games

Examples of Intermediate Games

Examples of Hard Games

Examples of Accessible Games

  • Mario Kart 8

    This game is simple to play and has a wide range of difficulty settings. It also has settings such as Smart Steering that helps players stay on the track and Auto-Accelerate which auto-holds the gas pedal for the user.

    Accessibility Settings

  • Gears 5

    This game has many features that allow it to be played with fewer controls and with a single joystick. Settings include aim toggle and auto reload which make controls easier to access to play. They also have Single Stick Movement and Swap Sticks While Aimed settings that allow gameplay with a single joystick.

    Accessibility Settings

  • The Last of Us: Part II

    This game has some of the most built-in accessibility options available of any game. You can reduce the number and complexity of controls needed with auto weapon swap, auto pick up, combo assists, and repeat button press assists. It also has features to help with aiming and allows gameplay using a single joystick.

    Accessibility Settings

  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

    This game has features that make gameplay easier for those using an adaptive controller. Features include reducing the game speed so users have more time to react and access controls to complete the game. Button toggles, auto-aim, aim assist, and shortcuts for combos further reduce the complexity of gameplay for the user.

    Accessibility Settings