Our first 3D-printed controller mod design contest is now over, congratulations to everyone who participated! Designs and winners can be found at https://www.printables.com/contest/16-snap-controller-mods.
When possible, we will be hosting more contests in the future to help tackle common accessibility issues. We will announce future challenges (and prizes!) via our socials and this webpage.
If you are interesting in sponsoring or suggesting a future contest – please get in touch.
Follow us to keep updated about future contests
Non standard hand positions are extremely common for many reasons. It could be muscular dystrophy or an amputation or even just simply a preference. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all solution for a problem like this. Even two people with the same physical need may prefer different setups. To that end, more solutions are always better!
In this contest, we want to create a library of 3D printed parts that can attach non-destructively to a game controller to allow for non-standard hand positions. That means parts that can just clip on or assemble around the controller without harming it, or requiring disassembly. You can find some common problems and hand positions in the FAQ below.
Here are a couple examples of very clever snap-on design to serve as inspiration:
This snap-on HOTAS controller by Akaki is super impressive. You can see it in detail on Thingiverse
Pixel2 did a fantastic job designing this tiny steering wheel for Xbox controllers. Find it on Thingiverse.
Table of Contents
To enter: Upload your files to PrusaPrinters. After you have published your file, a box will appear at the bottom of the model’s page that suggests you join the contest! Just click that and you’re in. Get your prints turned in by January 3rd 2022.
Update: Here’s a 3d model of an Xbox one controller to help you design.
The judges will determine the winners by January 15th 2022 and we will announce the winners on Make: Magazine (as well as on this page)
The hard truth is that there isn’t going to be a design that is perfect or better than all the rest. There will also not be any possible way for us to test them all thoroughly. The whole concept is that with variety, hopefully we’re supplying help to someone out there who needs it.
However, you can’t have a contest without some winners, right? We’ve assembled a great panel of judges who will be looking at a few key items and rating them, allowing for us to determine some winners.
We will be rating the following items: Cleverness of the design, 3Dprint-ableness, documentation, Aesthetics, and Function.
(in random order)
Can I see some examples?
Yes! here is a non-destructive way of extending and modifying the thumbstick of an Xbox controller — modular thumbstick extension
Why 3dprinted parts and not totally custom controllers?
3D printing allows for one person to design a modification, but then multiple others to print and implement it. It allows for local folks to 3d print stuff for local people in need and reduces the skill required to produce them. Typically this eliminates the need to know how to solder or modify electronics.
Non-destructive?
It just means that you don’t cut/glue onto the controller. This allows for minimal skill levels to install the modifications. My current mods typically require soldering, coding, or cutting/drilling into the controller. That’s not great. That reduces the life of the controller and means that repairs require someone with skills.
I don’t know what to make! Can you give me ideas?
Yup! Here’s a video with some ideas broken down