For most gamers, it can actually prove quite easy to take their hobby for granted. As used to controllers as we are, the reality is they are rather complex and precise devices that can prove an imposing challenge not just to newer gamers, but to those with physical disabilities as well. Thankfully, there are folks out there looking for new ways to help overcome these challenges.
For example, there’s Rory Steel, a technology educator from Jersey in the UK who wanted to help his daughter, who experiences impaired fine motor functions, play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The custom contraption actually uses Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller as a foundation, though you’d have a hard time telling based on the assortment of large buttons and joysticks visible on the current device. You can check it out in Rory’s tweet below:
Finished! Ava gives my homemade #accessibility controller V1.0 the thumbs up. She can play @Nintendo #BreathoftheWild on her #switch like her friends now. All thanks to @Microsoft 🙌 #adaptiveController #XAC @brycej @ArranDyslexia @shanselman pic.twitter.com/dOhGnUFZa0
— Rory Steel (@JerseyITGuy) January 19, 2020
The news only gets better from here, as Rory’s work has caught the attention of both Microsoft and Logitech who want to work with him on further developing his controller. Hopefully work like this will continue onward until every possible physical barrier to enjoying games is conquered.
Source: Channel 103