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) Can the user partially access a standard controller?
2) Does the user want to primarily play complex fast paced games or simpler slower paced games?
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. At the bottom of this page there is a brief summary of how to choose between controllers.
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 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. It is also a better option than the Xbox Adaptive Controller even in cases where the user has some arm movement but they want to play more complex and fast paced games. 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 Adaptive Controller With Copilot
Copilot is a setting on the Xbox console which allows two controllers to 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 unable to access 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 well work 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.
Evil Controllers
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. See the video to the left for an overview of the One-Handed Controller. The Lightweight controller reduces the weight of a standard controller and the force required to activate each button on the controller. This can reduce fatigue for those who tire easily when using a standard gaming controller. 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 Adaptive Controllers section for more information.
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. 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.
Summary of How to Choose an Adaptive Controller
For those able to partially access a standard video game controller and having difficulty accessing some of the controls, using one of the accessible Evil Controllers, Azeron Cyro, or Xbox Adaptive Controller with Copilot will most likely be the best option. For those unable to access most or all the buttons on a standard video game controller, then it depends on the games the user would like to play. If the user wants to play more complex games, such as first-person shooter games, the Xbox Adaptive Controller will typically not be the best option. Even if the user has some arm movements to access switches and joysticks, it will be difficult to access all of them quick enough to play those complex games. Therefore, this user will most likely need a controller like the Quadstick, which will allow them to access all the controls they need quick enough to play complex games. The Xbox Adaptive Controller, when not used alongside a standard controller on Copilot, works best for users primarily interested in a simpler controller set up to play some of the games requiring fewer controls.