Ben Heck's one-handed controller now available
by Justin McElroy 
{ Jun 6th 2008 at 3:00AM }
Though the footprint is a bit larger than previous one-handed attempts we have to give him credit, if only for figuring out how to make all the buttons accessible (the layout's even customizable). Now, when can we get our
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
voodoo_craig @ Jun 6th 2008 3:12AM
Great news that Ben's stuff is finally being put into production, I preferred this one, it looks a little more accessible
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/ben-hecks-one-handed-xbox-360-controller-refined/
Courtney @ Jun 6th 2008 3:27AM
In practice, I actually think this model looks more intuitive than the camcorder model, particularly with the ability to customize the layout. I can imagine running both analog sticks with my thumb and ring/pinkie finger. In the camcorder style one, the bottom analog was intended to be run by placing it on your thigh or lap, which seemed like it could be a major source of problems in games that rely heavily on both sticks.
Still, this guy always amazes me and I'm deeply impressed.
Kye - Ludwig Defence Force @ Jun 6th 2008 6:09AM
Wont the batteries get hot under your hand?
PiemanPieman @ Jun 6th 2008 3:43AM
I must say I don't exactly see how it works or would be beneficial.
Pureshooter @ Jun 6th 2008 10:50AM
It's beneficial to people with only one hand.
Brodie-san @ Jun 6th 2008 3:54AM
I'm thinking not even the likes of Chun-Li will be able to grapple with the size of that thing!
Slaziman @ Jun 6th 2008 5:22AM
How can you tell the scale of the picture with no reference object?
Tiptup300 @ Jun 6th 2008 10:59AM
What I'm really wondering is how the motion controls will work.
jcd @ Jun 6th 2008 2:10PM
"How can you tell the scale of the picture with no reference object?"
Dude, joysticks and buttons, I'd say that's a fairly good reference, duh!
@ b. I don't think you're supposed to hold it, but instead let it lay down somewhere and put your hand over it.
I'd like to try it, but 130 bucks!? So much for accessibility...
FSK405K @ Jun 6th 2008 4:08AM
How the Heck to I hold it?
So this is thumbless, or can you put something on the underside? Can it be mounted on its side, or come with a hand strap?
ScottyGEE @ Jun 6th 2008 4:13AM
I think you rest your wrist on it and use each finger for a seperate task.
From the setup there, I'd think:
Thumb on left anologue
Index on ABXY
middle on triggers.
ring on right thumbstick.
Chase @ Jun 6th 2008 6:10AM
That requires high-level dexterity. Moving the thumbstick without the support of the forefinger seems like it could lead to imprecision. Also, what about multiple button presses and thumbstick movement? Playing a first-person shooter on it must be a lot of work. It is a very creative, inventive product, but one must wonder if it is practical.
borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Jun 6th 2008 7:31AM
Practical? That depends on your circumstances. For a person with two hands that's a curiosity; for a person with one hand that's a necessity. And if you're forced to adapt, I wager you'd be surprised what you can accomplish.
However, yeah, it probably will not be equal to a regular controller. But I applaud the effort to open the market to a new segment...and DOA fappers.
WiNG [Life in a Game] @ Jun 6th 2008 8:51AM
My guess is that people with one hand have 10x the dexterity in that hand than we could ever wish for.
Or our significant others, for that matter.
Kye - Ludwig Defence Force @ Jun 6th 2008 6:11AM
I like his work but I think that this monstrosity has horrible ergonomics.
Dreadful.
You will at best have very cramped fingers.
voodoo_craig @ Jun 6th 2008 7:15AM
You know, I actually have a one handed controller for my PS1, I picked it up for £1 in a sale, it actually made a lot more sense for playing RPGs, it's not like you have to be massively dextrous anyway,
It was this one
http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/amg/games/drg000/g095/g0956853yws.jpg
gamerprophet @ Jun 6th 2008 9:11AM
That thing looks like a Star Trek prop :P
Anam @ Jun 6th 2008 9:01AM
It's gonna be kinda hard if you want to press LB and RB at the same time. And if this is compatible with the PS2/3 instead of Xbox, why does it call them LB and RB rather than L1 and R1?
(Unless the Playstation 3 changed the button names? I thought they were the same though.)
Otherwise, looks like it could be good if you're missing a hand or, as voodoo_craig said, playing RPGs or other non-dexterity drive games.
Bones3D @ Jun 6th 2008 9:10AM
If only they produced a version for the Xbox 360. I lost most of the use of my left hand after a car accident broke my neck a few years ago... so something like this would be a nice change from having to move the entire controller with my right hand while pushing the buttons at the same time to move a game character around. I can at least play to some extent, but it's horribly inefficient compared to actually being able to move the thumb and index finger.
kataztrophy @ Jun 6th 2008 9:53AM
Let me guess, RPG's are what this monstrosity was made for?
PojoMofo @ Jun 6th 2008 10:21AM
ummmm, im pretty sure its made for people with one hand...
jcd @ Jun 6th 2008 2:13PM
What I like: its modular, you can pull the gray cylinders and swap em around!
josh @ Jun 6th 2008 2:51PM
It's amazing how many people posting on here don't get the fact that this was designed for people who only have one hand!
Lijik @ Jun 6th 2008 2:52PM
Sweet. Preordering one of these for my Grandmother asap.
Microswirl (MKWii:1676- 4270-3674) @ Jun 6th 2008 3:20PM
I don't like the design at all. One-handed controllers already exist, they're called joysticks, and some of the more advanced ones have an analog stick on the end of the stick, thus emulating dual-analog controls for one hand.
Also, it's great for the disabled, but I doubt lazy people would use this, since it appears to be harder to use than a normal controller.
Jhongerkong @ Jun 6th 2008 4:34PM
This will be good while playing DOAX2...
you know, so I can write a strategy guide for it while im playing.
Anam @ Jun 6th 2008 5:10PM
Ooh, ooh! I thought of another use. What if you're playing a two-player game but have no friends and don't like the AI... and have nothing better to play... and have mad multitasking skills...
Then buy two of these, that's what you do!
SapphicAlure @ Jun 6th 2008 9:52PM
Good if you have a giant hand.
I think i'll stick to the original two handed controllers.
My left hand needs to get it's exercise some how.
Ryan P. @ Jun 6th 2008 11:47PM
I have carple tunnel in my left hand have been looking forward to this for months ...I've been playing DS and
Wii-mote only games. Also RPGS like FFX , XII where you can easilly use one hand.
Does anyone know if this could be used to play GTA games
specifically GTA IV? I can see using buttons and control stick at once but how often do you need to use
shoulder buttons, face buttons AND control stick all at once?