Engineer Designs a One-Handed Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Adapter to Increase Accessibility
Accessibility is important. Many gamers around the world do not have the same accessibility in every day life as others but a player’s spirit is strong and one engineer created something to make the Nintendo Switch just a little more accessible. Julio Vazquez, a mechatronics engineer, took the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and adapted it with the design in mind for one-handed playability.
The engineer uploaded several images to his Thingsverse website to show off how the design works with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers. Seen in the gallery below, Vazquez created a shell that slots in the two Joy-Con pieces together. According to him, the inspiration for this design game from the Skeikah Slate seen in Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild.
According to Vazquez:
This adapter was developed by request of my friend Rami Wehbe , who wanted a way to play Zelda: Breath of the wild using only his left hand; as he lost the ability to control his right hand due to a cerebrovascular accident.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has a complex control scheme, and the shape of the included Joy-Con grip doesn’t help at all. So, I decided to make a customized grip that would help in this situation.
This current design was the result of almost a week of research and lots of failed prototypes, as I had to ensure that it would be easy to print, lightweight and practical. After testing that it works properly, we decided to share it, so that it can be of help to other gamers in a similar situation.”
The 3D models were made by Vexelius and can be created using virtually any 3D printer. AbleGamersCharity also tweeted their own image of the 3D printed controllers in action #SoEveryoneCanGame, which can be seen below:
We are at the @ColumbusiF printing out Nintendo Switch adaptations for one handed gaming.
Models designed by @Vexelius. #SoEveryoneCanGame pic.twitter.com/CYi2EWJwdT— AbleGamers Charity (@AbleGamers) August 14, 2017
We think the design above is pretty flippin’ sweet and it’s great to see different ways gamers come together to brainstorm on how to make it easier for players to enjoy the realm of gaming. Here are just a few other examples of gamers with disabilities kicking butt and taking names:
- PlayStation Controller Modded for Gamers With Cerebral Palsy – Amazing!
- Tales of a Determined Gamer: How One Disabled Player Uses His Feet to Play Final Fantasy 14
- Game in Style and for a Good Cause – Inside the Charities Behind Techni Sport Gaming Chairs
Thoughts on Vazquez’s design? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t forget to check out the other great online communities DFTG has such as our Facebook, Twitter, and Discord families.
Liana Ruppert578 Posts
With an arguably unhealthy obsession with Mass Effect, Liana has been an avid collector of gaming and comic memorabilia for well over two decades. With a passion for writing, gaming, and comics - she is currently working as Editor-in-Chief for the revival of Prima Games, with previous managing editor experience with several gaming publications including ComicBook.com, The Hollywood Reporter, TwinGalaxies, and other outlets. She is also the Co-Owner and Managing Editor for DFTG. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, as well as several Facebook communities online.
