Modder Makes Accessible One-Handed Xbox One Controller

[roseofbattle]

Modder Makes Accessible One-Handed Xbox One Controller

<youtube=35xKkVPG6j0>​

Modder Ben Heck created an accessibility mod to the Xbox One controller, which he will donate to the Able Gamers Foundation.

To create a controller for people with a disability that prevents them from using two hands, Ben Heck modded an Xbox One controller to be used with one hand. The controller will be donated to Able Gamers Foundation [http://www.ablegamers.com/], a charity for gamers with disabilities. The mod will be detailed on The Ben Heck Show this Friday.

Heck, an experienced console modder with a show on element14 [http://www.element14.com/community/community/experts/benheck], decided to make a single-handed (right-hand dominant) controller after receiving numerous requests for it. Whether Heck will also make a version for left-handed individuals or make more than one unit is unknown.

The controller's front right side appears relatively the same; however, the L3 button is placed under the B button, and the left bumper sits at the bottom-middle of the controller. The left trigger is on the back of the controller next to the battery. Details of how Heck constructed the Xbox One controller mod will be available in this Friday's video of element14's The Ben Heck Show, but for now a 40-second teaser gives viewers a brief look at his time making the mod.

This isn't the first time Heck has made an accessibility mod. Heck also created a single-handed mod of the Xbox 360 controller [http://benheck.com/Games/Xbox360/controls/1hand/singlehandcontroller.htm]. Mods are cool because it's fun to take something apart and do something new with it, but mods are great when they can make a hobby accessible to people otherwise who wouldn't be able to participate.

Source: GameSpot [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35xKkVPG6j0]


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[l3o2828]

Mods are cool because it's fun to take something apart and do something new with it, but mods are great when they can make a hobby accessible to people otherwise who wouldn't be able to participate.

Or make porn games viable.

On a totally serious note though, this is amazing. Kudos Ben, you're one Heck of an awesome dude for working on making gaming more accessible.

 

[Adam Jensen_v1legacy]

This warms my cold heart. Amputees rarely have the same opportunities to socialize and have fun like the rest of us. Not to mention serious things in life. They shouldn't be excluded from gaming on top of all the other issues they're facing.

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

I don't know what condition many handicapped gamers are in. Ben Heck has a talent for cramming fully functional products into smaller packages. But, wouldn't it be easier to control by moving some buttons to foot controls. I just think it would be simpler to either have some buttons mapped to foot pedals or move an entire thumb stick to a foot control. I could do the foot pedal/button thing real easy, but someone like Ben Heck could make something with an analog stick that would work for a person wanting to play first person games that can't use both hands.

Captcha: "are[sic] you planning to move in the next 30 days?" Yeah, I'm getting off my ass as soon as I click "Post".

 

[MrPhyntch]

I was shown this by a handicapped friend before this thread appeared, and he actually wasn't too thrilled about the idea. Neither of us can figure out where the left thumbstick is supposed to be from the pictures, and of course he can't use this because it's his right hand that's unusable,, he uses his left just fine.

The way he described to me how he holds his controller is this:

The right hand under the controller for balance. Pinky for LT/LB, index finger for the 4 main buttons, middle finger for RT/RB, the pad under the pinky for the left thumbstick, and the pad under the index finger for the right thumbstick, while using the ring finger and thumb to help hold the controller.

Try to hold a controller like that. Then learn that he mainly plays FPS. Then learn that he plays TF2 on PC and holds his own against people using Keyboard/Mouse. And his worst class is pyro and prefers sniper.

 

[Someone Depressing]

Aww...

(Oh no, an emotion... what do I do?!)

But in all seriousness, this is cool. I'm going to learn how to use my feet as hands as a precaution. Like Rin from Gimp Girl... oh, I'm sorry, Katawa Shuojo (hehe, gimp girls).

 

[Strazdas]

If it would have been PS4 he would already be in jail because modding your console from SONY = criminal.

Try to hold a controller like that. Then learn that he mainly plays FPS. Then learn that he plays TF2 on PC and holds his own against people using Keyboard/Mouse. And his worst class is pyro and prefers sniper.

wow thats quite a feat but makes me wonder wouldnt it be easier just to use a multi-button mouse and set your buttons to whatever you want? At least thats what ill be doing if i loose an arm.

 

[RevRaptor]

That's pretty cool, gotta wonder about the availably of it though. for those that can't get such things perhaps this would be a good choice?
the razer sabertooth.

with its extra buttons you could pack a lot of function on one side. Just a thought.