How to Choose an Adaptive Controller
There are many different adaptive controllers available and it can be difficult to determine which one will work best. This guide was built to allow users to make the most educated decision regarding which adaptive controller to use. These are the main questions to think about when choosing a controller:
1) What specific difficulties does the user have when accessing a standard controller?
2) What types of games does the user want to play?
3) Is the user able to handle a more complicated controller set up?
Below is a summary of the most common adaptive controllers available currently for users. Note that this list does not include all adaptive controllers on the market, but includes the controllers that will meet most users’ needs.
Major Adaptions
Options for individuals who can’t access most or any controls on a standard controller.
Quadstick Adaptive Controller
The Quadstick is a head-controlled sip-and-puff joystick. The device consists of a joystick that can be controlled with mouth and neck movements. There are three holes (and a side tube) on the face of the device that the user sips or blows into, in different combinations, for controls in the game. In addition, there is a button that the user can activate with their lower lip. The user can program any control to be any combination of sip or blow on the device. Specific profiles can be created for each game to optimize the set up for a specific game. This device is more complex than other adaptive controllers and takes more time to learn to set up. However, when programmed effectively, it can allow a user to play virtually any game at a competitive level. This controller is for gamers who are completely unable to access a standard controller with their hands. However, it also can be used for gamers who have arm and hand movements, as it also allows joysticks and switches to be plugged into the back of the device to be used alongside of the sip-and-puff. You can view the Quadstick Adaptive Controllers section for more in-depth information.
Xbox Adaptive Controller
The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a gaming rig that allows users to plug in a variety of adaptive joysticks and switches to create a custom controller set up. It is simple to set up and use. It is a great option for someone who doesn’t have the fine motor control to access a standard game controller but is able to access larger joysticks and switches. However, it may be fatiguing for some users, especially those who are weaker in their arms. It also doesn’t work well for games that are fast paced with many controls, as it is very difficult to access all the switches and large joysticks to effectively play those types of games. Therefore, it works best for users who are interested in playing games with fewer controls. It also works great for younger gamers, as it is a simple controller to understand and use for those beginning video gaming. It also has a wide range of joysticks and switches that are compatible with it. You can view the Xbox Adaptive Controllers section for more in-depth information.
Xbox Controller Assist (Copilot)
Controller Assist (Copilot) is a setting on the Xbox console which allows two controllers to link together and control the same user profile while playing video games. Therefore, the Xbox Adaptive Controller can be linked to a standard controller, and they can work alongside each other to play a game. This works well for users who can partially access a standard controller but may have difficulty accessing a few buttons or a joystick on the standard controller. The user can connect external buttons or a joystick to the Xbox Adaptive Controller and mount them in accessible locations to make up for the buttons or joysticks they are having difficulty accessing on the standard controller. You can view the Xbox Adaptive Controllers section for more in-depth information.
PlayStation Access Controller
The PlayStation Access Controller is an accessible controller built by PlayStation for the PS5 console. It has nine buttons on the surface that can be mapped to any control in the game and a joystick that can be remapped to the right or left joystick. The Access Controller also comes with alternative button attachments that allow the user to modify the shape of the eight buttons on the outside of the device. There are also three different joystick attachments that the user can choose between. If the user would like to use additional joysticks and switches with the PlayStation Access Controller, they can be plugged into one of the four switch ports located on the side of the device. Two Access Controllers can also be linked together for access to even more controls. There is less flexibility in the design of the Access Controller compared to some of the other adaptive controllers, so it may not work well for users who need a more individualized set up. You can view the PlayStation Access Controller section for more in-depth information.
Hori Flex Controller
The Hori Flex Controller is similar to the Xbox Adaptive Controller. It allows users to plug in adaptive joysticks and switches to play video games. However, it was made to be directly compatible with the Nintendo Switch Console instead of the Xbox. There aren’t quite as many adaptive joysticks that are compatible with the Hori Flex compared to the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Therefore, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is typically a better option than the Hori Flex for those who need this type of adaptive controller, as it has a wider range of options for adaptions. In addition, the Xbox Adaptive Controller can be made to work with the Nintendo Switch console using an adapter. You can use the Controller Connect Tool to help set up the Xbox Adaptive Controller with the Nintendo Switch, and you can view the Hori Flex Adaptive Controllers section for more in-depth information about the Hori Flex.
Eye Gaze 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.
Moderate and Minor Adaptions
Options for gamers who can access many or most controls on a standard controller.
ByoWave Proteus Controller
The ByoWave Proteus controller is a modular kit that allows a user to customize their own controller based on their individual needs. The kit comes with multiple parts that the user can connect together to create a unique controller shape with different orientations of the buttons/joysticks. This controller is a good option for gamers who can access the small buttons and joysticks on a standard controller but may have difficulty with the shape of a standard controller or layout of the buttons/joysticks. It is also an option for one-handed gamers, as this controller can be customized for one-handed use. See the video for an overview of the ByoWave Proteus controller and instructions on how to set it up. See the BioWave Proteus page to learn more.
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 an overview of the Victrix Pro controller and view the Miscellaneous Controllers page for more in-depth information.
Simple Controller Adaptions
For those with only minor difficulties accessing a standard gaming controller, there are simple adaptions that are available. KontrolFreek, C2 Gripz, and Thumb Soldiers have options available for gamers to help with gripping the controller or gripping/accessing the joysticks. The 8BitDo Lite SE is an option for gamers with limited range of motion and who need lighter touch buttons and joysticks. All buttons are present on the face of this controller and there are two adaptive switches that can be plugged in for additional customization. The Evil Controllers and OneSwitch switch adapted controllers also allow for external switches to be plugged in for an alternative option for accessing the buttons on the controller. Please see the video for demonstrations of minor controller adaptions and view the Miscellaneous Controllers page for more in-depth information.
Lightweight Evil Controller
Evil Controller’s Lightweight Controller is for users who either can’t generate enough force to activate some of the buttons on the controller or for users who find that they are fatiguing easily while playing with a standard controller. The overall weight of the controller can be made to be lighter. The force required to activate each of the buttons and triggers can also be reduced. Finally, additional buttons can be added to the back of the controller and they can be mapped to any button on the controller. Please see the video for more details and view the Evil Controllers page for more in-depth information.
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. Please see the Miscellaneous Controllers page for more in-depth information.
One Handed Controllers
Options for gamers who can only access a controller with one hand.
Azeron Cyro Controller
The Azeron Cyro controller is a game controller for individuals who can only access a controller with one hand. The device consists of an analog joystick that the user accesses with their thumb, a sensor on the bottom for controlling the cursor, and a keypad for accessing the different buttons in the game. The controls can be mapped and customized based on the user’s needs. The Azeron Cyro is easier to hold when gaming compared to the Evil One-Handed controller. By default, the Azeron Cyro acts as a keyboard and mouse for computer gaming. However, it can also be used for console gaming when using an adapter. See the Azeron Cyro page to learn more about the Azeron Cyro controller.
MMO Mouse
MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) mice are a special type of gaming mouse that combines mouse and keyboard controls onto one device. An MMO mouse has buttons on the side that the user can access with their thumb to control keyboard keys and then can access the rest of the device similar to a standard mouse. There are MMO mice with 8, 12, and even 16 buttons on the side and many have additional buttons on the surface as well. These can be mapped to any keyboard or mouse control. This allows a user to access both keyboard keys and mouse controls at the same time with one hand. If a user maps the WASD keys to four of the buttons on the side of the mouse, this will allow them to control both player and camera movement. Please see the video for an overview of how an MMO mouse can be used for one-handed gaming and and view the Miscellaneous Controllers page for more in-depth information.
One Handed Evil Controller
Evil is a company that adapts standard video game controllers for those who can partially access a standard controller. They make two different types of adaptive video game controllers: a One-Handed Controller and a Lightweight Controller. The Evil Controllers are a perfect option for gamers who can partially access a standard video game controller but have difficulty accessing some of the buttons. The One-Handed Controller is for those who can only physically access a standard video game controller with one hand. The The Lightweight controller is for gamers who fatigue easily when gaming or need some minor controller modifications. This controller is lighter than a standard controller and the force required to activate the buttons on the controller are reduced. There can also be additional buttons mapped to the back side of the controller for users having difficulty accessing buttons on other areas of the controller. You can view the Evil Controllers page for more information.