Update: For new V3 2023 version build click here
This is my second build of an XBox adaptive controller for my son who has cerebral palsy. Due to his lack of core support, he doesn't have great mobility and use of his arms. Instead, he uses his feet to explore his world. This controller was designed with that in mind, allowing him to game using his feet exclusively.
The key components for this build are the Xbox Adaptive Controller(XAC), Logitech's G Adaptive Gaming Kit and 2x DIY USB video game cabinet joysticks. I built a wood box to mount the joysticks, to enclose the XAC and to help keep the cables organized. This build weighs approx. 12 lbs. Painted with acrylic paint and sealed with multiple coats of gloss varnish. The controller is very sturdy and will should hold up to a good amount of abuse. This build took about 6 to 8 hours to complete and cost approx. $350 to build.
The first version, I used the Palmstix from Warfighter Engaged, an organization to help disabled gamers. The Palmstix were great, used USB and had a low profile that was perfect for my son's feet but we broke 2 fairly quick as my son's leg moments can be pretty jerky and hard. My only other option was to try the mounted DIY USB arcade joystick kits, which has been working out great so far. There's different versions of arcade joysticks available. These have minimal range to them, making it easier to move them with less effort.
We started out playing games that had more simple controls. My son had great success with Race With Ryan, Nickelodeon's Cart Racers, Goat Simulator & Paw Patrol. He's recently started Minecraft creative mode and has been having a blast with it. He's still getting comfortable with the controls, learning how to use his feet in tandem with each other. I foresee him having great success being able to play more complicated games down the road but fast paced FPS games will most likely be extremely difficult for him. Luckily, we'll be able to change up his controller for when his needs change.
If you need a custom controller built or need help with parts, builds or tools, please reach out to me
here. I'd love to share my knowledge and research on these builds to help gamers.
Here's a picture of him playing with some friends at his birthday party in 2023.
Update 4/7/23: Almost a year into this build and it's been holding up very well. The joysticks are working perfectly for my son. His skills have come a long way since we first started. Lately, he's been playing a lot of Minecraft, the Lego series games, Spongebob and Nickelodeon Cart Racing series. He's been having a great success with it and loves playing.
The only issue is he's not using the controller very efficiently yet. I designed this with the intentions of him being able to keep his legs flat and resting on the couch while laying down to help keep his legs relaxed and play with minimal effort. But his way is to be very close up on the controller with his knees bent and floating in the air at all times, using mainly one leg switching between the buttons and joysticks. Due to this, he gets tired quicker and has shorter play times. Hopefully in the future, he'll understand how to get more efficient but for now, he's doing good.
I found a guide to making arcade style buttons to work with the XAC and will be pursuing those for the next build. Logitech's Adaptive Kit is great value, you get a wide variety and a lot of switches for $100, but they're not sturdy enough.
I'll be starting a new build soon to make some minor changes and expand his button capabilities as he was very quick to understand how controllers work. I can definitely see him being able to play more complicated games like FPS and RTS style games in the future. He's going to have great success playing video games it will help him tremendously with other aspects in his life.
RESOURCES
HERE is another build I stumbled upon, this thing looks great and features a few different adaptive accessories.
Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit (Note that this kit is a collection of various 3.5mm switches that could be used with any other adapted device. It's a really good value as most switches are $20-60 each.)
