Adaptive Video Game Controllers Are a Game-Changer for People with Disabilities

The gaming industry has made a big push over the last few years to address accessibility concerns. Microsoft was the first to the table with their Xbox Adaptive Controller. Sony recently revealed the Access controller for the PlayStation 5. Nintendo doesn’t have a first-party option, but Hori has the Flex controller that can be used on the Nintendo Switch. All three companies are trying to address a market that has been largely ignored in the past. Gamers who might not be able to use a more traditional controller now have more options available that will allow them to play any game they want.

Microsoft’s controller is different from anything we have seen before from the console manufacturers. The Xbox Adaptive Controller is a highly customizable experience that opens up the world of gaming to those who might not be able to use the more traditional controller. Microsoft made the physical size a rectangular shape with two really large buttons, along with a d-pad and the action buttons to bring menus up on the screen.

Xbox Adaptive Controller

Gamers can use the Xbox Accessories App on Xbox or on PC to customize this controller so that it fits their specific needs. You do this by remapping the buttons on the controllers and by creating multiple profiles. The Xbox Accessories App allows you to create multiple profiles and instantly switch between three of them with the Profile button. Microsoft has made the Xbox Adaptive Controller a gateway to experiencing the games the way you want. It works with a number of different devices such as joysticks, mounts, switches, buttons, and more. Microsoft also made it in such a way that you can use it with other devices, such as a PlayStation or Nintendo console.

Hori Flex

Nintendo has joined forces with Hori to make the Flex controller for the Nintendo Switch. It has a rectangular shape similar to the Xbox Adaptive Controller but with some key differences. The Flex controller has a lot more buttons on it. It has a button that corresponds with every input on a Nintendo Switch controller. The Flex controller allows external devices to be used through auxiliary and USB ports (sold separately). The Flex controller can be attached to a stand so that you don’t have to hold the controller yourself. You just concentrate on pushing the appropriate buttons and enjoying the game that you are playing. 

Hori Flex

The Flex Controller Settings App is used to assign different button functions and joystick settings. Up to 12 different profiles can be saved on this controller, six for the Nintendo Switch and six for PC. The Flex Controller Settings App is only compatible with Windows however. Hori also offers a Flex Controller Extension App that allows games to be played with line-of-sight commands by using an eye tracker. Additional hardware is required for this functionality including a video capture unit, a Windows PC, and an eye tracker/line-of-sight sensor.

Sony Access

Sony is also releasing an accessibility controller for the PlayStation 5. It is the Access controller and looks quite a bit different than the aforementioned devices. Sony’s Access controller has a circular shape to it. There is a button in the middle of the circle and then giant buttons all around it. This is all attached to a joystick. Sony’s Access controller looks somewhat similar to the old school game “Simon”. This Access controller is customizable with swappable buttons and stick caps so that the player can create a layout that works for them.  The Access controller features different analog stick caps, as well as different button caps such as flat button caps, pillow button caps, curve button caps, and more.

Sony Access, mounted configuration

The Access controller is designed to be used in a variety of ways whether it is on a flat surface or attached to a mount or tripod. Sony also made it so you can orient it 360 degrees. The Access controller also allows you to use up to four external devices utilizing different AUX ports on the controller. Sony has created new software for the Access controller that will allow you to map different inputs to buttons, toggle buttons on or off, put two different inputs on the same button, and more.

Sony also allows you to pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense controller which can be used as a single virtual controller. The Access controller also features a toggle mode which allows the player to modify the behavior of a button. Sony provided the example of enabling toggle mode for the acceleration in racing games so you don’t need to press the button for your vehicle to accelerate.

Image: Xbox

Microsoft, Hori, and Sony all worked together with organizations such as the AbleGamers Charity, SpecialEffect, Warfighter Engaged, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and more. Gamers that need a more accessible controller will now have an option for each console platform. The push for more accessibility from these companies is a great thing and hopefully Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are just getting started.