Product in Focus: Gaming
Gaming can be a rewarding, relaxing, and most of all, a fun hobby to engage in, and for many, it is a daily activity that they enjoy. Assistive technology is any piece of equipment, device, or practical solution that helps a user engage in their daily activities and maintain their independence – and AT can absolutely be used to help a person enjoy gaming and other hobbies.
Assistive tech can range from high tech devices to simple solutions, and when it comes to gaming, there are many different products that can help you participate in both video games and board games.
Video games are a fantastic way to have fun, challenge and build physical and mental skills, and connect with friends. There are so many kinds of games available to play, from classics like Mario Kart, to open world adventures like Legend of Zelda. These adaptive gaming systems allow everyone to play and have fun, and involve multiple types of access, suitable for each individual’s needs.
This controller connects with the Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs and is perfect for gamers with limited mobility or fine motor skills, and who prefer both computer and console gaming. The large buttons are programmable and easy to access, and it also features a larger directional pad.
Level up your Xbox with this set of adaptive gaming controls. The Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit connects to the Xbox Adaptive Controller for those users who require other forms of adaptive controls. It features 12 controls that are easily programmable, with a range of different sized and shaped buttons, light touch buttons, and triggers, as well as coloured stickers and a velcro mat, so you can arrange and attach them to suit you or your client’s needs.
Designed for users with limited hand/arm mobility, this mouth operated controller has a joystick four sip and puff sensors, a lip position sensor/button, and a mechanical switch, which can each be programmed to a different button in a video game. An all in one device, the QuadStick Game Controller can be used to play video games on the PS3 and PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android phones and iPhones, and adapters can be connected to play on newer systems like the PS5 and Xbox. It can also be mounted on a wheelchair, desk, or table for easy access.
This controller is designed to allow gamers to use external switches and joysticks for video games using the Nintendo Switch, as well as Windows 10 PCs. All of the switch actions can be customised, and through the Windows Flex Controller Eye-Tracker App, users can even use eye-gaze software to play their favourite games on both their PC, and their Switch.
The Access Controller kit is a customisable controller for the PlayStation 5. Users can swap buttons around to suit their mobility needs, and assign multiple functions to buttons to reduce hand or finger fatigue. It includes an attached joystick which can be customised, enabling users to swap the cap of the joystick and adjust the extension. The sensitivity of the joystick can also be adjusted to allow for smaller or larger ranges of motion. The Access Controller can be used in 360 degrees, on both flat surfaces and attached to a mount, and comes with ports that allow external switches or joysticks to be used as well.
