Simple Adaptions
For those with only minor difficulties accessing a standard gaming controller, there are simple adaptions that are available. This includes individuals that have trouble gripping the controller, gripping joysticks, or difficulty accessing one or two buttons on the controller. See the video for demonstrations of minor adaptions and below for a list of gaming adaptions. The resources listed below provide options for gamers.
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Kontrol Freek Grips
Kontrol Freek sells grips that can be added to the side of the controller, which can assist gamers that are having difficulty gripping the controller.
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8BitDO Lite SE Controller for Xbox
This controller has low resistance buttons and joysticks. All the buttons are present on the face of the controller and there are two adaptive switches that can be plugged in for additional customization.
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Evil Controllers Switch Adapted Controller
This controller has four 3.5mm switch ports that adaptive switches can be plugged into which can be assigned to any button on the controller.
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Kontrol Freek Thumb Sticks
Kontrol Freek sells thumb stick grips and extenders that can be added to the thumb sticks on the controller for those having difficulty accessing the thumb sticks.
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C2 Gripz
The C2 Gripz can be added to the sides of the controller to help gamers having difficult holding the controller.
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Thumb Soldiers
Thumb soldiers sell a wide variety of different thumb stick attachments that can be added to the controller for individuals having difficulty accessing the controller thumb sticks.
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Evil Controllers Thumb Stick Extenders
Evil Controllers sells thumb stick extenders at various lengths for gamers that would benefit from longer thumb sticks on the controller.
3D Printed and DIY Adaptions
There are many 3D printed and DIY options for adaptive gaming. In some cases, these can provide cheaper alternatives for adaptive gaming devices available for purchase. In other cases, they can provide a more customized solution for an individual gamer. The resources listed below provide cheap 3D printed options for gamers. Some of these devices will require having access to a 3D printer but some can be requested from the individual website if a gamer does not have a 3D printer of their own. See the solutions below for more details.
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Makers Making Change
Makers Making Change provides a variety of different 3D printed solutions for adaptive gaming. The files can be downloaded from their site. Alternatively, the devices can be requested through their site to connect with a “maker” that will build it for the gamer.
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Xbox Design Lab
Xbox released this tool that allows gamers to design different shaped toppers to add to the thumb sticks on the Xbox controller and their new adaptive joystick. The user can customize the joystick themselves and then the files can then be downloaded from the site for free to print for the gamer.
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The Controller Project
This resource has many different open-source 3D printed modifications that can be added to standard controllers. These can be downloaded to print or requested through the site. Gamers can also request custom modifications to their controller based on their individual needs.
Button Remapping
For those having difficulty accessing specific buttons on the controller, most consoles also allow remapping of buttons on the controller. For example, if someone is having difficulty accessing the X button, it can be remapped to one of the D-Pad buttons on the left side of the controller. Button remapping is available on the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Victrix Pro BFG Controller
The Victrix Pro BFG controller is a modifiable controller for the PS5, PS4, or PC. They also have a version for Xbox. It is a good option for gamers who need minor adaptations to their controller to improve their gaming experience. There are four buttons present on the back of the controller that can be remapped to any input. The controller has three profiles, and each profile can have different mappings for the four buttons on the back. In addition, the trigger buttons on the controller can be adjusted to make them easier to press in. Finally, the user can customize the joysticks and D-Pad on the controller to meet their specific needs. Please see the video for a more in-depth overview of the Victrix Pro controller.
Eyegaze and Head Control
There are a few different options available that will allow a user to play video games with their eyes or head movements. Most of these are more complicated to set up compared to other adaptive controllers. Project Iris and the Hori Flex will allow users to play PC or console games with their eyes, but these require a more complicated set up. SpecialEffect has developed their own computer games that work with existing eyegaze devices. The set up with the SpecialEffect games is easier but will not give the user the ability to play any console or PC games. Cephable and PlayAbility are two free programs that allow individuals to play games with head movements, facial expressions, and other inputs. In general eyegaze and head control should be used as last resort options for gaming. See below for more details on different options.
Arcade Joysticks
Arcade joysticks are an alternative option to an adaptive controller, as they already have large joysticks and buttons built in. Therefore, they are an option for those without enough fine motor control to access a standard controller. The benefit of this set up is that all the buttons and joysticks are already assembled for a user in a premade system. However, the limitation of this set up is that the joysticks and switches cannot be moved or adjusted to meet a specific user’s needs. The one exception to this is the company Evil Controllers who can create a custom arcade joystick setup with the buttons and joysticks arranged based on an individual’s unique needs. This requires contacting their customer support to discuss the individualized setup for the gamer. Other arcade style joysticks do not allow customization and devices like the Xbox Adaptive Controller are typically preferred due to their potential for personalization. Some options for ordering arcade joysticks include Evil Controllers, Axis Controllers, and the Mayflash Fight Stick.