In today’s world video game consoles are found in almost every house. Most families and children use video games as a leisure experience.  Here’s how you can make video games accessible for individuals who use switches!

Microsoft Xbox🔗

If you have an XBOX console, you’ll need:

How It Works🔗

The top of the controller comes pre-programmed with directional arrows, menu and start buttons, profile button, and two large buttons set to “A” and “B.” If you’d like diagrams and explanations of the XBOX Adaptive Controller, check out Get to know the XBOX Adaptive Controller.

1. Determine the game you’d like to play, and check what controls you’ll need to play the game.
2. Connect your AbleNet Wired Switch into the coordinating ports on the XBOX Adaptive Controller.
   • For example, if “Jump” is set to “A,” when you plug a switch into the “A” port, pressing that switch will cause the character will jump.
3. Connect as many switches or other assistive devices into the ports as your user is capable of accessing and get ready to game!

For a complete guide on setting up and using the XBOX Adaptive Controller, head over to Getting Started with the XBOX Adaptive Controller.

Partner Gaming With Controller Assist🔗

XBOX has a feature called Controller Assist which will link the accessible controller with a regular controller. This allows a gaming partner to use the regular controller to complete any actions necessary (i.e. moving via the joystick etc.) while the switch user is controlling other actions. 

There is a primary controller and an assisting controller: the primary controller is signed into an XBOX Profile and will receive all of the achievements during gameplay. The assisting controller does not need to be signed in and will not be awarded achievements.

To turn on Controller Assist:

1. Connect two controllers to the XBOX, the primary controller in the first port and the assisting controller in the second port.
2. Using the primary controller, press the XBOX button.
3. Select Profile & System.
4. Select Settings.
5. Select Accessibility.
6. Select Controller.
7. Choose Turn on XBOX Controller Assist.
8. The controllers are now linked!

To turn off Controller Assist:

1. Using the primary controller, press the XBOX button.
2. Select Profile & System.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select Accessibility.
5. Select Controller.
6. Choose Turn off XBOX Controller Assist.
7. The controllers are now linked!

To learn more about using Controller Assist, read How to use XBOX Controller Assist.

XBOX Games to Play With the Adaptive Controller🔗

• Peppa Pig World Adventures– The switch user can complete different actions such as selecting, talking to different characters, and interacting with different things in the environment.
• Disney Dreamlight Valley- The switch user can complete various actions such as picking up items, making selections, talking to other characters.
• Minecraft – The switch user can complete actions like “attack/destroy,” “place block/use item” and so much more.

Nintendo Switch🔗

If you have a Nintendo Switch, you will need:

How It Works🔗

The top of the controller comes pre-set with directional arrows, “Y,” “X,” “B,” “A,” “L,” and “R” buttons and a few others. For more information and diagrams, check out the Hori Flex Instruction Manual available in multiple languages.

1. On the Adaptive Controller, toggle the mode switch in the upper right corner to “Nintendo Switch.”
2. Determine the game you’d like to play, and check what controls you’ll need to play the game.
3. Connect your AbleNet Wired Switch into the corresponding port on the controller.
   • For example, if “Jump” is set to “A,” when you plug a switch into the “A” port, pressing that switch will cause the character will jump.
4. Connect as many additional switches or assistive tech as your user can access!
5. Connect the Hori Flex Adaptive Controller to the Nintendo Switch Dock via the controller cable on the back of the device.

Nintendo Games to Play With the Hori Flex Adaptive Controller🔗

• Mario Party – the switch user can be the selector by making choices, rolling the dice and participate in various games.
• Mario Kart – the switch user can be the accelerator or release the items you get from driving through the question mark bubbles
• Disney Dreamlight Valley – The switch user can complete various actions such as picking up items, making selections, talking to other characters