Controller Modifications

Various Controller Mods

What are Controller Modifications?

Controller modifications involve altering a standard commercial controller to better suit a player's physical needs. This can range from "non-invasive" changes, like snapping on 3D printed extensions, to "invasive" hardware hacks where the controller is opened up to add new input ports. Whether you are adding a 3D printed grip, mounting the device for stability, or purchasing a professionally modded unit, these adjustments bridge the gap between standard hardware and a player's unique range of motion.

3D Printed Modifications

3D printing has revolutionized alternative access by allowing for low-cost, highly customizable physical interfaces. There is a vast library of open-source designs available that can be printed and attached to existing controllers without requiring any permanent changes to the electronics.

Places to Find Controller Mods

Device/Organization	Description	Link
Makers Making Change	• Range of one handed, thumbstick, and other controller mods. • Can be requested from volunteer makers. • You can access the files to make yourself or request a device.	Makers Making Change Assistive Device Library
The Controller Project	• Supplying free controller modifications to gamers with disabilities or limb differences for many years. • You can access the files to make yourself or request a device.	The Controller Project Site

One Handed Controllers

One-handed 3D printed adapters are among the most popular modifications. These mechanical rigs allow a player to access both analog sticks and all shoulder buttons using a single hand, often by resting the controller on a thigh or table to move the secondary stick via tilting.

Check out a one handed Mod in action:

Most one handed mods are made by a designer named Akaki. He has open sourced some of his designs but also sells them on his website directly. These cost approximatly $10 to 3D print at a local library or through our Makers Making Change program and $235+ if you buy from Akaki directly. If you want to buy them directly and not build them yourself or work with a volunteer, please view his website. Here is a list of current one handed modifications.

Akaki One Handed Controller Mods

Controller	Open Source Files	Akaki Controller Website
Xbox Series X\|S	Open Source Files	Akaki Website
Xbox One	Open Source Files	Akaki Website
DualSense (PS5)	Open Source Files	Akaki Website
DualShock 4 (PS4)	Open Source Files	Akaki Website
Nintendo Switch 1	N/A - Has not open sourced these designs	Akaki Website
Nintendo Switch 1 • This is not an Akaki design	Open Source Files - Left Hand Open Source Files - Right Hand	N/A

Adoption Rates

While powerful, one handed mods have a steep learning curve. Users often find they require significant practice to master the coordinated movements needed for modern games. For the players they work for, they work great.

Thumbstick Toppers

Thumbstick toppers are also a commonly requested controller mod. Xbox has even identified this and made their own website where a player can customize a thumbstick topper and get a 3D print file. Here are some common resources we use when looking for thumbstick toppers.

Thumbstick Toppers From Thumb Soldiers

Collection of Thumbstick Mods

Thumbstick Topper Option	Description	Link
Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Toppers	• Compatible with standard Xbox One, Xbox Series X\|S, Elite, and Adaptive Joystick Controllers • Allows for customization of a range of toppers. Will give you a free 3D print file (.STL) that you can print them yourself or bring to a local 3D print vendor, possibly local library, or organization like Makers Making Change to print for you.	Xbox Adaptive Thumbstick Site
Thumb Soldiers	• Commercial thumbstick toppers for sale	Thumb Soldiers Site
ActiveB1t Thumbsticks	• Open Source selection of 3D printed toppers for a range of controllers. • Download the files and print them yourself or bring to a local 3D print vendor, possibly local library, or organization like Makers Making Change to print for you.	ActiveB1t Printables Page
AbleGamers Thumbstick Adapters	• Open Source selection of 3D printed toppers for a range of controllers. • Download the files and print them yourself or bring to a local 3D print vendor, possibly local library, or organization like Makers Making Change to print for you.	AbleGamers Printables Page
Caleb Kraft Thumbstick Adapters	• Open Source selection of 3D printed toppers for a range of controllers. • Download the files and print them yourself or bring to a local 3D print vendor, possibly local library, or organization like Makers Making Change to print for you.	Caleb's Thingiverse Page

Modifying Adaptive Controllers

It isn't just standard controllers that can be modded; adaptive hardware can also be customized. Here are a few modifications as an example:

photos of modifications to the SAC and joystick on the XAC.

SAC Button Modifications (left) and XAC Joystick Modification (right)

Sony Access Controller (SAC): Many makers have designed custom "toppers" for the stick and unique button shapes to help players with specific grip requirements. The team that made the Sony Access Controller made a "3D printing Guide" with the specifications a designer would need to make custom joystick toppers and button caps.
- Designer, Harakan on Printables made various joystick and button cap toppers for the SAC.
Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC): Custom 3D printed knobs (like goals posts or large spheres) can be added to the joysticks used with the Xbox Adaptive Controller to accommodate different hand functions.
- Designer, Atom on Printables made a joystick that can snap onto the XAC to modify the way a user would interact with the D-Pad.

Commercial Modifications

For players who want a professional, "out-of-the-box" solution, several companies specialize in modifying controllers for accessibility.

Evil Controllers: They are a primary leader in this space, offering one-handed versions of the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch controllers. These often feature re-routed buttons and analog sticks placed on the back of the controller for easier access.

Two controllers with added buttons on the face and an external thumbstick extending from it with a cable.

Evil Controllers One-Handed PS5 and Xbox Series X\|S Controllers

DIY Modifications

If a 3D printed part or commercial controller isn't a perfect fit, DIY materials offer a way to create a completely bespoke interface. Here is a common method we use.

Moldable Plastic (Instamorph): This is a lightweight thermoplastic that becomes moldable in hot water and hardens into a strong plastic when cool. It is excellent for creating custom-molded finger grips, enlarging small buttons, or creating a personalized joystick topper that fits the exact contour of a player's hand.

Xbox Controller and joystick topper with added thermoplastic on top to modify the shape.

Spruce Joystick Topper and Xbox Controller with Moldable Plastic Added

Mounting a Controller

A controller modification is only effective if the controller stays in the right place. Mounting provides the stability needed for players who cannot hold a controller's weight or who use 3D printed one-handed rigs.

RAM Mounts: A modular ball-and-socket system that can securely hold a controller in any orientation. Many 3D printed mods include a "RAM Ball" base specifically for this purpose.
Hook and Loop (Velcro): Industrial-strength Velcro can be used to secure a controller to a lap tray or desk, ensuring it doesn't slide away during intense sessions.

See the Mounting Section in Alt Access for more information.

Two photos. One using hook and loop and a flat plate to attach a controller to a RAM mount. The ohter showing a 3D printed RAM ball attachment to a controller

Hook and Loop on a flat plate using RAM Arms (left) and AbleGamers 3D print RAM Attachment to Controllers (right)

Want to learn more about this program or request a device?

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