Games Console Controller Adaptions

Some people say "Just Games" - Well not quite !

I enjoy playing many games and have had various controllers modified (by my brother) so that I can play most games, with no hands !

I do feel that whilst they are "just games" there is a therapeutic value. For example, when playing an adventure game you are the character walking, running, opening doors, running down stairs. All things I cannot do anymore. It may be a virtual world but it somehow feels quite good. (Has anyone ever done research on this ? I would like to know) Some computer games offer the same satisfaction but the graphics and sound quality of console games is so much better. I am also quite spoilt I guess as I own a 44 inch projection screen television and have a separate Dolby Surround Hi-Fi system which makes the gaming experience truly excellent. Films and general tv are great too.

However to use the controller requires adaptions but I have never found any commercial companies that do these sort of adaptions. So a big Thank You to my brother for helping with this.

I hope if you are reading this you can get the adaption done if you need it. It is not that technically difficult but requires the ability to use a soldering iron with delicate electronics and a cetain amount of craft skills in mounting the switches. I hope the following pages help and inspire ! (I hope to add better photos/info re wiring sometime)

NOTE: http://www.OneSwitch.org.uk
A website that offers various switches and adaptions for games etc. with specialised help.

We have added air pressure switches to activate buttons and mount the controllers so I use my chin on the standard joysticks.
These adaptions require opening the controllers and soldering inside which will of course void warranties but it's worth it.

I often beat non disabled people on MarioKart and make a mean opponent on Golden Eye and Halo.

Controller for Nintendo 64 (N64)

Buttons on outside still function as normal with pressure switches added.

Wires from switches go into controller and are soldered on to contacts at either side of buttons.

Suck and puff switches -Black tubes and grey units. 3 double units give use of 6 buttons which is quite good for most games. It creates quite a few wires !

Pressure switches are supplied by RS (radio Spares).
Cost around £15.00 $20.00 each

The switch-over switch (small silver toggle) allows a button to be constantly pressed. Easy if using your hands but not if you are using a your breath to activate the switch.This is really needed when racing with Super Mario Kart. It enables the speed button to be constantly on. The puff action then releases the button and allows you to slow down.

NOTE SMALL BLACK EXTRA HEIGHT ADD ONS FOR BUTTONS

Also two actions for each tube. two switches are joined as below

The connection bar has been wired to all buttons inside the controller. The external switches/wires can then be attached to different scew connections. It is a bit awkward to change wires but it does allow different button configiurations to be used. You just need a screwdriver and a steady hand to change the wires but it is really just like wiring a plug really.

NOTE CLAMP WITCH ATTACHES TO CHIN CONTROL
My chin control is a cylinder which easily and quickly clamps in the circle area.

Black Velcro holds controller on flat aluminium plate

INSIDE CONTROLLER

All graphics (and these web pages) done on an Apple Macintosh using Macromedia FreeHand, Adobe PhotoShop, using the head-start system.