Controller adapted to help with lack of fine motor skills?

[CoolHand]

Hey everybody, I am really glad I found this place.  I would really like to get back in to gaming.  I haven't played a console game since my accident in '04.  I was hoping to get some information about a controller that will be easy for me to use. 

My injury left me with some paralysis in my hands that limits my fine motor function.  But I have good function in my arms and wrists.  I've seen some of the controllers like the HORI Fighting Stick and the Pelican model, but the joysticks on these controllers do not support analog.  Am I correct on that?  It's basically digital, like a D-pad?  If that's true, that really limits the number of games it would be compatible with.   

Does anyone know of any controllers similar in style and setup to those I mentioned that do support analog controls?

You guys are the best.  Thanks for any info you can give me. 

[Akuma]

First, I think you need to tell everyone what system you want to play on (pc or console (which console in detail) ) and perhaps also which games you want to play, to get an idea of what the button layout should look like. After that, the ideas about what you want/ need and how to create it might just flow : )

[BobA]

There is an 11 page thread about options for disabled gamers that may give you some ideas.

Link

[CoolHand]

Sure...

I'm more of a fan of the Playstation brand.  I don't have a PS3, but if I find a suitable controller, I plan to get one.  I still have the PS2 in the basement.

I'm mostly into the sports genre games like Madden, NCAA Football, and Tiger Woods.  But a few of the other games such as Oblivion and Grand Theft Auto would be on my list as well.  Would the button setup be wildly different when designing a controller for these different genres? 

I really think a setup like that on the HORI or Pelican stick would work for me.  Buttons about that size would be okay.  I would just hit them with first knuckle of my pinkie.  I was just concerned about the lack of an analog stick on those controllers.  Is it possible to just swap something like a Happs analog stick on to one of those controllers rather than building one completely from scratch?

As for the actual analog stick handle, I have a couple of ideas.  I was thinking maybe something resembling a sword handle with the enclosed guard to give me some stability when switching directions.  That would be easier to grip than a typical ball-handled joystick...but if it comes down to it, I could make due with whatever.

...

Ok, I just read through that other thread Bob supplied.  That sucks that the guy flaked after all the hard work that was put in.  I assure you all that will not happen with me. 

I don't believe I need a modification as complicated as what he had either.  I would prefer something smaller like the HORI or the Pelican that I could set in my lap.   At college, dorm space is a bit limited.   

[MrMojoZ]

Don't most of the games you mentioned work off digital controls?

[CoolHand]

They might, but they would be woefully inefficient compared to an analog stick.  Why would you want to have a running back run dead left, or dead right to elude defenders when he could run at an angle to the left or right.

I am willing to put up the required parts money for anyone willing to put an idea together and adapt something.  I'll pay labor fees as well.  Is anyone interested?

[MrMojoZ]

Erm, digital controls do angles just as easily as analog controls....

[u_rebelscum]

Erm, digital controls do angles just as easily as analog controls....

Let's rephrase that:
"Erm, digital controls do diagonals."

However, digital joysticks only do 8 directions; the don't do angles like 15 degrees right of straight up.  Hitting the hole is far easier with analog than with up, 90 left , 90 right, 45 left, and 45 right.  Whether it's american football, 3d platform, stakeboarding, or analog gun (such as term2).

[MrMojoZ]

That is true.

[CoolHand]

Ok, I have done some more searching since I started this thread.  I stumbled upon the Quasicon controller.  It looks like it would be perfect for my disability and would fit almost any game or any console (with the proper adapter).  And it has two fully-functioning analog sticks.  That's better than the one I was hoping for.   

If things change, I'll likely be back here looking for some help from you all.  But I'm hoping this works out.

[RobotronNut]

one game that's "all arm" is my fave: robotron. in fact, i was trashing the knuckles in my right hand playing it, so i switched to a "palm" style grip, where the joystick is held by the 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers. i don't think my thumb and forefinger even make contact with the joystick.