Meet Miro
As part of the SpecialEffect Loan Library Project, we have worked with Miro remotely to explore options to improve his gaming access for his PlayStation 5. We gave an overview of our work with Miro in his case study on the SpecialEffect website.
In this GameAccess ‘case study’, we will explore in more detail what equipment Miro is using and how he uses it, as well as the techniques the SpecialEffect team used to create the custom set-up. Through this deep dive, we aim to show part of the range of options available to tailor a gaming set-up to the individual’s needs.
The information in this article is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing (April 2025).
Background
Miro loves playing games on his PlayStation 5, but due to spinal muscular atrophy Type 2, he was finding it difficult to access the whole controller. Miro contacted SpecialEffect and a video call was booked to meet him and chat through what he needs from his gaming set-up.
Miro’s condition means that he has reduced strength and dexterity in his fingers. He was able to access the standard joysticks but was unable to access the D-pad, Left Bumper, Left Trigger, thumbstick clicks and the PS button.
After a few video calls and tweaks to the set-up, Miro was able to combine a mixture of external switches in more comfortable positions and his arm hoist to gain access to all of the PlayStation controls he wanted.
Here’s a closer look at the set-up below.
Switch Interface
OneSwitch 19-Switch DualSense for PS5:
The key for Miro was to ensure that we could add extra button inputs without removing his access to the controls he could comfortably reach.
To ensure this, we looked to add external switches in sites which did not hinder his access to the joysticks and other buttons he usually uses.
As Miro was using the PlayStation 5 and required access to more than eight switch inputs, we opted for the OneSwitch 19-Switch DualSense for PS5. This is a modified DualSense controller, with a switch interface connected to it. The controller can still be used, alongside any connected accessibility switches. However, Miro used his DualSense controller, instead, that he had already customised with button extensions, to make them more prominent for easier access.
For those who require less than eight switch ports for the PS5, it is possible that combining one to two PS5 Access controllers to a DualSense could suffice, using the Use Second Controller for Assist setting.
Accessibility Switches
Once the switch interface was established, the next step was looking into which accessibility switches would suit Miro’s movements.
Marblesoft Ultra-Light HD Switches:
Due to Miro’s reduced strength and movement in his fingers, we opted to start with Marblesoft’s Ultra-Light HD switches, due to their low activation force requirement.
These were placed using Velcro onto the standard controller and plugged in for Miro’s chosen inputs. As you only need to press the end of the switch to activate it, we recommended Miro tweak the positioning to see exactly where works best for his access. Miro placed the switches on the right arm of his controller for the D-pad buttons and two ultralights on the front of the controller to act as L1 and L2.
Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit Small Buttons:
Miro has more movement to his right side when using the hoist for his hands. We find that sometimes when arms are supported against gravity using towels, cushions or hoists, someone may have access to more movement in their hands. This is not true for all, however, and we recommend that you try this only if it is comfortable and safe for you to do so.
In this case, Miro already has and uses the hoist for his hands and chose to also use this for gaming to facilitate access to the Small Buttons from the Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit.
These accessibility switches are plugged into the stick clicks and PS button. Since they are button inputs that Miro needs less often, having them positioned slightly away from the DualSense controller and Velcroed to the top of the switch interface, stops them from interfering with the rest of the set-up, whilst still maintaining a level of ease of access when needed.
Mounting
Small Maxess Mount:
The last key part to Miro’s set-up is the Small Maxess Mount. Whilst designed primarily to mount switches, at SpecialEffect we also use them to mount joysticks and, most commonly, controllers at an angle, removing the need to hold the weight of the controller.
Miro uses this mount on its side on his table to hold the controller at an angle so that he does not need to physically hold and support it. By removing the need for Miro to hold the controller, it reduces an aspect of the fatigue he used to experience when gaming for longer periods of time.
Next Steps
Currently Miro’s set-up enables him to access the inputs he needed for the wide range of games he’d like to play.
As part of the SpecialEffect Loan Library Project, we will continue to review Miro’s set-up and make any changes he requires to help him to continue to play the games he wants to play.
More examples of custom controller set-ups can be found using the ‘Case Study‘ tag and more information on equipment can be found using the ‘Equipment‘ category.
If you have any questions about this controller set-up, please visit the Contact Us page.
List of Equipment Used:
Below is a list of the equipment we used to create Miro’s set-up, with unaffiliated links to the products on the manufacturers’ own websites, where possible. Other suppliers are available in most cases:
(Please note all links are unaffiliated)
19-Switch DualSense Interface: https://www.oneswitch.org.uk/art.php?id=367
Ultra-Light HD Switch: These switches are available in the UK via OneSwitch: https://www.oneswitch.org.uk/art.php?id=264 or in the US from Marblesoft: https://www.marblesoft.online/ultra-light-hd/
Logitech Small Button – found inside the Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit: https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/products/gamepads/adaptive-gaming-kit-accessories.html
Small Maxess Mount: Whilst the original style of Maxess mount shown in the photo is no longer available, there are alternatives now available, which are a variation on the one Miro uses: https://www.inclusive.com/uk/maxess-mounting-system.html