When Microsoft released the Xbox Adaptive Controller in 2018, it allowed people with disabilities to play games more accessible thanks to its design. If you are looking to play with the PS5’s DualSense controller with one hand, a YouTuber has created a 3D-printed adapter allowing such a feat to be achieved.
YouTuber Akaki Kuumeri uploaded a video earlier this month of a new adapter he created, allowing him to use one hand to play with the PS5’s controller. In the nearly seven-minute-long video, Kuumeri demos the adapter with a hand cam on the bottom right corner of the screen while showing gameplay from titles such as Grand Theft Auto V and Rocket League.
“PlayStation Does Nothing For Accessibility”
Kuumeri says the adapter was created in part due to Sony’s lack of accessibility options.
“Microsoft has the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and Copilot mode, which are an amazing contribution for accessible gaming (albeit quite expensive),” Kuumeri told IGN. “Switch has remappable buttons, and Joy-Cons can be held in a few different ways. Sony’s PlayStation does nothing for accessibility.”
When attached to the controller, the left joystick on the DualSense functions using a “rubber shoe” on the controller’s bottom left side, requiring a flat surface to function properly. The bottom of the adapter has a rubber band that allows the joystick to “return to neutral” after use. Without it, the controller itself is “too heavy to come back to the center on its own.”
While the R1 and R2 shoulder buttons on the right side have been shifted over to the left thanks to the adapter, when playing games that require shooting, the adapter allows the player to hold down L2 and press R2 to shoot. Kuumeri also made an additional adapter that allows users to input controls for games that require a D-pad to function.
“I’ve been aware of the troubles disabled gamers have with modern game controllers,” Kuumeri tells IGN. “Games today use both hands and all ten fingers. If you’re missing using just one of your fingers, or god forbid you to have smaller hands or don’t have full dexterity in some way, and you can forget about video games.”
The One-Handed DualSense adapter is one of many devices that Kuumeri has created. The YouTuber previously created puzzles and most notably created 3D-printable joysticks for the controllers, allowing you to play games like Microsoft Flight Simulator without having to invest in a HOTAS setup.
“
Kuumeri says that accessibility was always in mind when designing the adapter and credits console modder and computer engineer Ben Heck as well as communities like the subreddit Disabled Gamers for influencing him to create it.
“I am a big fan of Ben Heck’s single-handed controller mods. He takes apart console controllers and moves the thumbstick components around, solders on new buttons, and engineers a new shell, to make custom controllers for one-handed use,” Kuumeri said.
Kuumeri says the adapter was useful for 3D action games that require players to use two sticks and four shoulder buttons “at the same time.” He also confirms that noteworthy features on the DualSense, such as the adaptive triggers, are unaffected by the adapter. “You’re still holding onto the controller body, so you feel the haptic rumble.”
A 3D-Printed Solution
If you are interested in trying the adapter, Kuumeri has made the file available at no cost. Kuumeri is also planning to make similar adapters down the road, including one for the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller.
“The first feedback I have gotten is that nobody has actually been able to buy a PS5, and they’re still playing on a PS4,” he says. “I’ve been working on adapting my design for the DualShock 4.”
Kuumeri says he wants to fix “any flaws” in the current design of the DualSense adapter and make it one that is compatible with both PlayStation controllers. With luck, PlayStation will take note and follow with a version of their own as the push toward greater accessibility continues.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/dualsense-ps5-controller-one-hand-adapter-interview
