How to Make a One-Handed Gamecube Controller
By Jared Newman
Netherlands-based hacker Hasse’s brother can only use one of his hands, which makes playing video games nearly impossible. So Hasse applied some Wii principles to a standard Gamecube controller, adding motion control that makes it easy to play games one-handed. An accelerometer controls basic movement — the green LED lights where the gamepad is usually located indicate direction — and the left trigger was swapped to the underside of the right handle, where it can be pressed with an index finger. There’s even a toggle for turning on analog controls.
To do this at home, you’ll need a Gamecube controller (Hasse started with four from various manufacturers, so he could figure out the best one to build from), a microcontroller, an accelerometer, a digital to audio converter and a bit of technical know-how. Hasse’s web page walks through the process, and there’s a YouTube video tutorial as well. The whole set-up cost 135 Euros, but you can shave the cost down if you’ve already got a Gamecube system and spare controllers. Hasse notes:
And then… playing games with a bottle of beer in my left hand… It seems it also very handy for people that are able to use both hands.
Right on. [Hasse's Hacks via Engadget]
