While improvements still need to be made, the world of gaming is more accessible and diverse than it has ever been, and there are quite a few accessibility devices out there to help people game. Every year, more and more innovative devices are created to allow players with disabilities to play the games they love. Many of these devices, however, are unknown to much of the public and the disabled community.
These devices have been created by both major gaming companies and fans looking to make gaming more accessible. They are designed to be adjusted to the player's individual needs and be compatible with the most popular consoles out there. These controllers and devices are a much-welcome step towards ensuring the joy of gaming is available and accessible to more people.
MAYFLASH Magic NS Wireless Bluetooth Controller USB Adapter
List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $19.99
The MAYFLASH Magic NS is easily one of the best multi-purpose video game accessories out there. The wireless USB adapter is designed for compatibility with every major Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony console released in recent years. The device also works with both Windows and Raspberry Pi computers.
The adapter is ideal for those who cannot use single joy-cons and works with both wired and Bluetooth controllers. The device allows gamers to use other controllers that better suit their abilities cross-platform. The standard X, B, A, and Y buttons can be adjusted to the user's needs and vibration can also be adjusted to the suited level.
Project Leonardo For PlayStation 5
Project Leonardo is an accessibility controller made officially by PlayStation for PS5. The release date has yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to hit shelves sometime in 2023. From the info given in PlayStation's official announcement, the device is set to be one of the best accessibility features ever made for gaming.
Project Leonardo's core concept is "out of the box" gameplay. This means that the kit is designed to be configured to the highest possible degree to suit every individual player. The kit was made in consultation with disabled gamers, and its components are swappable in position for maximum player compatibility.
Joystick For Xbox Adaptive Controller
List Price: $239.95
This third-party device was made by X-keys, a leading brand in keyboard programming. The device was made to be paired with the Xbox Adaptive Controller for maximum user compatibility, and it adds a joystick component to the flat pads of the adaptive controller.
The device comes with eight keys that can be assigned to various functions, depending on the gamer's individual preferences. Using a USB connection, the joystick can be adjusted via programming. The plug-and-play joystick comes with adjustable mounting options. The one drawback, however, is that the accessory requires a PC to customize the experience.
Blue Tip Gaming Axis 4 Pro Controller
List Price: $499 - $549
Blue Tip Gaming is a leading brand in providing accessible gaming for all, and they have many popular products that prove it. The brand consults with disabled gamers and accessible gaming organizations when creating its products. Their games are tested with and researched by a variety of gamers with impairments or health conditions that make gaming a challenge before hitting stores.
Their Axis Pro Controllers are compatible with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and the console can be adjusted to multiple layouts, depending on the gamer's requirements. The device uses classic arcade-style buttons and joysticks for comfort, easy grip, and access, making the piece of gaming hardware feel a bit classically '80s.
Enabled Play Controller
List Price: $249.99
Enabled Play was founded on the principle that anyone should have access to the technological devices they desire. Moreover, the company believes that devices should adapt to the user, not the other way around. Enabled Play creates technology that allows users to control devices in a way that works for them.
Enabled Play's own controller was created to be used with any games console or computer. It offers player controls beyond button pressing, using offline, personal adjustments, and these include eye movements, voice commands, and facial movements.
Xbox Adaptive Controller
List Price: $99.99
Xbox offers an official adaptive controller to be used in place of its traditional controller. The controller was consulted with by various disability advocacy charities. The device uses multiple USB and wireless options to connect to the TV, making it one of the best accessible gamer devices on the market.
Its unified port makes for uncomplicated adaption to connect with multiple devices. The controller also allows for connection to other additional buttons and joysticks to help with players' comfort and increase its accessibility. With its ample size, it could be useful for many players with visual impairments, and best of all, the controls can be customized and remapped on the Xbox Accessories app.
Hori Flex Controller For Nintendo Switch
List Price: $174.99
As yet, Nintendo sadly doesn't have an accessibility controller for their Switch consoles. Hori Flex, while a third-party device, offers some of the most adaptive gameplay for disabled gamers on the market. Not to mention, its compact singular controller is great for any gamer on the go.
Although a singular controller, the device allows connection with additional joysticks and buttons to suit every gamer's requirements. The controller offers larger, additional buttons for optimum gamer control and can also be attached to a stand for any preferred angle.
Evil PS5 One-Handed Controller
List Price: $99.95
For those waiting for Project Leonardo's release, Evil Controllers offers optimal adjustments for accessibility. Their controller was designed for gamers that play games with one hand, and the company offers different controllers, for either left or right-side use. Although a third-party device, it truly is one of the best console accessories for disabled gamers.
No matter who is gaming, one of the challenges can be mastering a controller to hit the correct combination of buttons at once. This controller comes with adjusted inputs for the chosen side that makes it easy to touch multiple buttons at the same time. The controller also comes with a thumbstick extension for further customization, and it's designed to be used by other body parts, such as the feet or mouth.
One-Handed Switch Joy-Con Adapter
List Price: $155.62
This adapter made for Nintendo Switch was hand-made by an innovative Etsy seller. The device has over 2,000 five-star reviews on the website, making it one of the best third-party Nintendo Switch accessories available. The adapter is designed for gamers to place their pre-existing joy-cons in, with a left or right-handed customization option.
The adapter is designed to hold steady on a lap or flat surface. The device allows gamers to have both joy-con sides in one compact unit that can all be reached with one hand. Using mechanical linkages, the adapter has moveable arrow buttons and connects the buttons to an extension for easy reach.
Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit
List Price: $99.99
This gaming accessibility device was made by gaming and computing giant Logitech. The Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit was made to be used in conjunction with the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The gaming system accessories include an impressive 12 different plug-and-play buttons and triggers.
All the controls in the set are fully customizable. The player can connect as many or as few plug-ins to their controller as required and can be re-configured to their liking. The kit comes with a board to allow players to re-arrange the controls to their liking.