Controller Holder for the Cognitively Disabled

So, I got thinking one day about how it stunk to have a broken wrist. I couldn't do anything that I wanted to do! From tying my own shoe to playing video games, everything was a chore. Then I got thinking, "People who aren't able to use their arms or hands go through this every day!" So, in typical me fashion, I researched nonstop to figure out how they played video games. Sure, one handed controllers are out there, but they often are expensive and hard to find. I then took it upon myself to figure out a way, without directly modifying the controller, to be able to play games one handed. So, I invented a controller holder for the disabled that not only is cheap, but also very easy to make. It relies on the user moving the controller back and forth to either move or look, depending on their handedness. So sit back, relax, and get crafty.

Step 1: Materials!

So, for this instructable, I used the following items:

• x1 (5 1/2in*3in*1/2in) piece of Craft Plywood - This is the Base
• x1 (11in*3/4in*1/2in) piece of Craft Plywood - This is the Main Support
• x1 (8in*3/4in*1/2in) piece of Craft Plywood - This is the Arm
• x1 (4in*1/4in diameter) piece of Dowel with a 45° cut on one end This is the "Analog Stick Holder"
• x4 Small Suction Cups
• Insignia™ - Analog Stick Covers for Xbox One and Xbox 360 - Black (I used the flat one)
• Hot Glue Gun w/t sticks of glue
• Afterglow Prismatic Wired Controller (for the programmable buttons on the back)
• Super Glue

I used craft plywood due to it's cheap price and decent durability for this project. One sheet that is three feet long should do the trick. The controller is optional, but I highly recommend it so that you don't have to figure out a way to stretch your fingers to press a button. I'll explain that more in a later segment.

Step 2: Base and Main Support

So first thing is first. If you haven't already, cut the craft plywood into the dimensions I have provided. You will want to remove the metal hanger pieces from the suction cups, and glue one on each corner of the base. This will be your bottom. I found while in my prototypes that the holder doesn't stay put very well, so attaching this to a binder will work perfectly for a couch gaming session. Otherwise, just stick it to a desk.

Next, glue one of the support pieces to the base side that does not have suction cups on it. Try to aim for the middle, whilst adding extra after gluing it to add support. This will be your top. Congrats! You've made it past most of the process! Keep going, and you will be grinding your way to Overwatch Grandmaster in no time at all!

Step 3: It's ARM Time!

So, after you have completed the main setup, It's time to move on to the actual functioning piece. You will want to glue the dowel with the flat side up to the arm piece that you cut earlier. Try to make it so that the dowel's 45° angle cut is facing towards the main support. After that, just glue the arm so that it's width lines up with the support's, and you are almost done!

Next, you'll just glue the analog stick cap with the super glue to the 45° angle on the dowel. You might want to score the analog stick cap so that the glue sticks to it. I used the bumpy cap so that the glue has something to grab on to. Once you are finished, go ahead and let the whole thing dry for about 2 hours and you''l be ready for the next step.

Step 4: Setup and Game Testing

After everything is setup and ready to go, put the left stick (or right depending on handedness) into the analog stick cover and fire up a game! Tilt your controller back to move forward, forward to move back, left to move right and right to move left. Although, most games have an x-axis y-axis direction switch so you can tilt it forwards for forward, backward for backwards, etc.

Boot up a game (I chose Rainbow Six) and revel in the holy light of your new toy! Grind like no one has ground before, and master the skillful art of one-handed gaming! I hope you enjoy using your new tool as much as I liked writing this instructable and inventing this in the first place. I am currently designing a 3D printed version, and I should be able to get it up within the next week or so. Have a great day, and enjoy falling asleep way too late because you forgot to stop playing Call of Duty!

Step 5: (Optional) Controller Setup

If you have the controller I mentioned in the materials list, this is the time to set it up. You will want to download the Afterglow app for Windows 10 or Xbox depending on which you use. It will pop up with a, "There are no existing profiles" message when you first launch the app most of the time. Instead of using profile "Shooter", select "Create new profile". Name it whatever you want, then go to button mapping. You will want to clear all the buttons that are currently mapped to the back wheels. Depending on what handedness you are, right wheel is for left hand and left wheel is for right hand by looking at the picture. Map LB to wheel up, and right stick click to wheel down. This will make it so that you can use the right bumper, while re-mapping anything used by the right trigger to right stick click. Remember, you might have to re-map some buttons in game, so you might want someone there to help you with that. Afterwards, you are pretty much good to go!