The Controller Project has been supplying free (or almost free) controller modifications to gamers with disabilities or limb differences for over 10 years. Our mission is to design and 3D-print affordable solutions that help to remove barriers that prevent people from playing video games.
The Controller Project would not be possible without the global volunteer network that helps us design, 3D-print, and deliver mods to gamers around the world.
We rely on 3D printers extensively for a number of reasons, including:
- Distributed – We can send digital files anywhere in the world to have a piece 3D-printed locally.
- Fast – Compared to an electronics project (which requires the recipient to first ship their controller), printing an item locally is much faster.
- Inexpensive – 3D printing is a surprisingly cheap manufacturing method.
- Ease of Installation – Well-designed parts can be installed by untrained helpers with no electronics or fabrication skills necessary.
- Swappable – Modular 3D-printed parts can be transferred from one controller to another.
“It all started with Thomas.
I had been tinkering a bit with custom controllers as a hobby for a little while. When I saw an opportunity to make a custom controller for Thomas, who has muscular dystrophy, I thought it would make a great video! However, in working with Thomas, and seeing the results of what I built, I was given insight into the life of a gamer with disabilities.
Ultimately, Thomas’ controller was pretty useless. I haven’t talked to him about it but I suspect he never used it. It looked cool but really wasn’t great. In that way, I call his project the successful failure that launched this project.
Since then I’ve developed, built, and donated controllers to people as a hobby for about 10 years. Some periods I would do very few, and other periods I would do a lot. There were times where I tried to be a middle-man, connecting gamers with makers who could modify things. There were other times I had a forum. At some point, I narrowed down my focus to 3D printed accessories for console controllers and really began to pick up momentum.
Now, I have volunteers all over the world, and try to help as many people as possible.”
— Caleb Kraft
The Controller Project YouTube channels features frequent updates on the status of The Controller Project.