Nintendo Switch Adaptive Controller
Advisor(s)
Dr. Joshua Gargac
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 12:50 PM
Abstract
This project presents the implementation of an adaptive Nintendo Switch controller system intended to support physical therapy and rehabilitation. The system modifies a standard gaming interface to accommodate users with limited mobility, reduced strength, or impaired motor control. This enables the user to engage in interactive gameplay as part of their therapeutic process. By integrating customizable input mechanisms such as enlarged buttons, alternative trigger placements, and adjustable sensitivity, the controller allows therapists to tailor exercises to the individual needs of the patient. A study was conducted to see which Nintendo Switch games would be optimal for therapy patients. Specifically, this study ranked 1) The relative difficulty of playing the game on the adaptive controller, 2) how entertaining the game would be and 3) the benefit it would bring to an average patient. Based on this data, a scoring system was created that places games in a “great”, “okay”, or “poor” category. The scoring chart itself also uses different shaped and colored icons to easily represent the data in a manner that is helpful, and accommodating for patients. Future research will involve outside test subjects of various ages to play and rate games, with the data used to adjust the scoring chart.
Recommended Citation
Hanely, Brad; Boeseneilers, Caja; and Mishra, Aanika, "Nintendo Switch Adaptive Controller" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 57.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/57
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Nintendo Switch Adaptive Controller
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
This project presents the implementation of an adaptive Nintendo Switch controller system intended to support physical therapy and rehabilitation. The system modifies a standard gaming interface to accommodate users with limited mobility, reduced strength, or impaired motor control. This enables the user to engage in interactive gameplay as part of their therapeutic process. By integrating customizable input mechanisms such as enlarged buttons, alternative trigger placements, and adjustable sensitivity, the controller allows therapists to tailor exercises to the individual needs of the patient. A study was conducted to see which Nintendo Switch games would be optimal for therapy patients. Specifically, this study ranked 1) The relative difficulty of playing the game on the adaptive controller, 2) how entertaining the game would be and 3) the benefit it would bring to an average patient. Based on this data, a scoring system was created that places games in a “great”, “okay”, or “poor” category. The scoring chart itself also uses different shaped and colored icons to easily represent the data in a manner that is helpful, and accommodating for patients. Future research will involve outside test subjects of various ages to play and rate games, with the data used to adjust the scoring chart.