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 below for some simple gaming adaptions.
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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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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.
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. 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
There are a few different options available that will allow a user to play video games with their eyes. 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.
PROJECT IRIS
The most popular option for eyegaze gaming is through a software called Project Iris. It is relatively inexpensive and will work with the Tobii Eye Tracker 5. However, the setup is not simple. It is easiest when set up for PC gaming but there are methods for setting it up for console gaming as well.
HORI FLEX
The Hori Flex Controller allows users to play games with eyegaze using the Tobii Eye Tracker 5. Please see the Hori Flex Controller Getting Started section for the steps for setting up eyegaze with the Hori Flex.
SPECIALEFFECT
SpecialEffect has developed a resource called Eye Gaze Games that allows users to use their current eyegaze system to play games. These games were specifically developed to work with eyegaze. However, this will not allow users to play on a console. They have also developed a software called EyeMine 2, which allows users to play the popular game Minecraft with their current eyegaze system. These are the simplest options available right now for using eyegaze for gaming.
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. If this set up works for someone out of the box, then it would be a good option, though devices like the Xbox Adaptive Controller are typically preferred due to their potential for customization. Some options for ordering arcade joysticks include Evil Controllers, Axis Controllers, and the Mayflash Fight Stick.