[Review] PS2 One Handed Controller - Control in the palm of your hand
Mass-produced accessible controllers are hardly commonplace. While this is unfortunate, it’s also the truth. Most times we have to rely on the modding community for accessible controllers. Luckily, the UK-based ConsolesandGadgets.com has released their "PS2 One Handed Controller." The PS2 One Handed Controller seems to be a reproduction of the now-discontinued DragonPlus RPG Duo Con 2. I say "seems," because I’ve never had the latter, only the former. I came across the PS2 One Handed Controller while researching accessible controllers, a couple years ago. While it did take me a year to purchase one, and it’s far from perfect; I can say that it’s one of the best buys I’ve made.
One of the first thing you’ll notice about the controller is its shape. It’s similar to that of a trackball mouse but with a palm rest in the middle. The controller components themselves are situated in a way that would be ideal for someone who plays one-handed, in theory. In my experience however, it’s not ideal.
The analog sticks are placed on either side of the controller’s face. The four action buttons are in-between the sticks in their usual diamond formation. Directly above that lie two rows of four buttons: both sets of shoulder buttons, start, select, an analog on/off button, and a program (“preset”) button. In addition, there are not one, but 2 D-Pads -- one on either side of the controller, which is good because it opens it up to both lefties and righties.
The way that one would use the PS2 One Handed Controller is they’d use their fingers for the analog sticks and buttons, and their thumb for the D-Pad. As I said, in theory, it’s good. Everyone is different, so no 2 people have the exact same challenges. There are different kinds of disabilities with varying levels of severity. Therefore, having only one solution is next to impossible.
I don’t have enough fine motor control in my fingers to use the PS2 One Handed Controller how it was designed to be used. I still need to use my thumb for the left analog stick while my fingers hit the buttons. Luckily, I have yet to play a game where the left analog and D-Pad are needed at the same time. My other problem is the preset button. I’ve accidently assigned random buttons to it but have no idea how to clear them.
The PS2 One Handed Controller also has a hefty price-tag of $107.84 USD, but overall I say that it’s worth the price, even if it’s not perfect. Whether or not I’d recommend it depends on how much movement you have in your hand. It’s worth noting that, with the right adapters, you can use it on PS3 and Xbox 360 as well. I do, using Hyperkin’s PS2/ PS1 Controller to PS3/PC Adapter and eTokki’s Xtokki 360 Converter, respectively.
Product Concept Rating: 4.5 stars
Accessibility Rating: 4 stars
