Over the years, we have had the privilege of helping many players whom have lost the ability of one of their limbs. Whether it was by birth or sudden on-set, our team is here to help you get back into the game!
The situations are slightly different for every individual, but we have a few general recommendations of controllers that could help depending on your situation. Research each controller and review the associated YouTube videos to ensure you are making the right decision for your gaming needs.
Below are a few options that, through our years of experience, have proven the most successful.
One-Handed Controller
As the name sounds, one handed controllers are controllers that allow players with one hand to access all the needed buttons and joysticks that is presented on a standard controller. But don’t be fooled by the title; these controllers are instrumental to many players who are not missing a limb. 
We highly recommend checking out EvilController’s library of accessible controllers. These are the most popular with our community, and for good reason! They are durable, and have optionability for including additional joysticks, ambidextrous options, usage across different consoles, and more!
They also included informational YouTube videos about their controllers. For example, if you are interested in a one handed PS4 controller, you and watch their YouTube video review and how-to.
XAC with Switches
The Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) is a powerful controller that has shown monumental potential for players in our community. Utilizing the 3.5mm ports on the back, players can plug in their favorite switches into the associated buttons, thus allowing them to play their favorite games their way.
Furthermore, the XAC has two USB ports, where players can then plug in adaptive joysticks that best allows them to game.
To use the XAC to its full potential, it’s important to invest in switches. The XAC essentially acts as a master hub; while this is critical to play, the switches you use is what truly opens the door to gaming.
There are tons of switches (a.k.a. buttons that can be placed just about anywhere) on the market. You can find switches for a variety of situations including, light touch, rigid, and even ones called “twitch switches,” which can be placed on a muscle such as your calf or eyebrows. You’ll want to do some research to ensure you are buying ones that will work best for you.
AbleGamers recently collaborated with Logitech to release their Adaptive Gaming Kit at an economical price of $99. We highly recommend checking this option first. The kit comes with:
Light Touch Buttons:
- Sensitive, light-pressure buttons with a 12 mm height that can be activated with low force.
Variable Buttons:
- Pressure-sensitive triggers can function like gas pedals, ideal for racing games or other applications. Force tune them for optimum control and comfort.
Small Buttons:
- Approximately 1.4” buttons, built with mechanical switches, offer durable and consistent actuation. Low height allows for easy and quick presses.
Large Buttons:
- Approximately 2.5” buttons built with mechanical switches are reinforced with stabilizer bars for consistent actuation across the full surface.
If you need something different, like a mouth switch or sip and puff switch, EnableMart has a variety of switches that range in size, touch requirements, and how they’re used. Make sure that for any switches you purchase uses a 3.5mm jack. Unfortunately, many of these switches are very pricey, but it’s a great place to start. Xbox also has a forum on what external devices work with the XAC.
Otherwise, check out the complete resource guide from Xbox on the XAC. They provide all additional details and associated videos to help in your decision making!
Grizpaw
This one handed controller developed by GrizTech allows gamers to have full access to all the controls found on standard controllers in an ergonomic design. The Grizpaw is supported on all Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and on PC as well.
Some of the technical features include:
Left- or Right-handed compatible with soft touch keys
Easy accommodations to most hand sizes for both women and men
Fastest one handed game controller in the world
10x faster than a joystick
5x faster than a games controller
2x faster than a standard keyboard & mouse
4 in 1 controller support
Disabled-world provides a detailed review of the Grizpaw, calling it “THE left or right handed games controller of choice for people with injuries to one hand or arm”.
Axis Controller
The Axis Pro Controller was developed through years of collective gaming experience from both able-bodied and disabled players. Engineered and then perfected through countless prototypes and testing, the Axis Pro is built for all levels of gaming enthusiasts. Featuring genuine Sanwa™ buttons, two premium analog joysticks and a precision 8-way digital stick, the Axis Pro offers peak performance and reliability.
The Axis Pro offers several ergonomic layouts, making it the gamer’s dream stick for console and PC gaming.
The Sensel Keyboard
The Sensel Keyboard is one large mousepad, where you decide what keys you want placed and where they should go. This full customization can be tricky at first, but after a few trial runs, you’ll be able to have the best setup for you to take on the toughest boss battles.
Checkout the Sensel Keyboard in action and their website for more information! As always, you are welcome to reachout to Ablegamers for any questions you may have.
3dRudder
The 3dRudder is a versatile foot controller that can be used as a foot keyboard, foot joystick, or a foot mouse. This controller allows you to use your feet instead of your hands to play videogames, and other general computer access.
The simple UI allows for each configuration for each of your games, and is very powerful for PC and Xbox gaming. Take a look at their 3dRudder for Accessibility. They include associated youtube videos of the controller in action. This will help you decide the 3dRudder is the right choice for you!
The Microsoft store also offers reviews of the 3dRudder.
Azeron Gaming Keypad
Per their website: "Azeron keypad is a gaming device that will replace your keyboard for gaming. It is a hybrid between keyboard and controller. To take the best from different gaming worlds – analog stick movement from consoles, a lot of keys from keyboard. While still maintaining the possibility to precisely aim with the mouse in your right hand. So instead of using 3 fingers on WASD, now you have movement on just one finger and free up all your other fingers to press the skills. It utilizes a three dimensional button layout instead of flat surface, minimizing finger travel. Set your fingers inside the key wells and you either pull down, push down or flick forward. There is never a need to move your finger to a new key, feeling your way around to make sure you are at the right spot."
The Azeron Gaming Keypad allows for full, immersive gaming with one hand by elevating additional keys above the player's knuckles. The controller comes in two different sizes, and do offer a right or left handed option.
Razer - Tartarus V2 Wired Gaming Mecha-Membrane Keypad with Chroma Backlighting
The Razer - Tartarus is the ultimate gaming pad for PC gaming, and can be adapted for use with an Xbox or PlayStation. It features 32 programmable keys that can be set to any buttons, hotkeys, or macros. The ergonomic design ensures your wrist will be comfortable as you set forth on the battlefield.