We have previously covered the ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ controllers from Evil Controllers in this video and the previously updated versions here on the GameAccess site. However, since then there have been further design changes to the controllers that are described here.
How does it work?
Like the previous versions, Evil Controllers’ ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ controllers aim to enable a person to use the majority of the controller with one hand. Selecting the dominant hand you wish to play with will ensure that the shoulder buttons/triggers and stick click buttons on the opposite side of the controller are replicated as digital buttons you can access on the underside of the handgrip, i.e. the ‘Lefty’ will have additional controls positioned on the left side of the controller to use with the left hand, and on the right side for right hand use with the ‘Righty’.
If you choose the optional thumbstick extension, a separately-housed thumbstick can be positioned for use with another part of the body. For the ‘Lefty’ versions this is the right stick and for the ‘Righty’ versions, this is the left stick.
What’s new?
The main design change since the previous models we looked at, is the change of the type of button used on the front of the controller for controlling the opposite side stick click (the button inside each thumbstick activated by a press). On the ‘Lefty’ this additional button is for the right stick click and for ‘Righty’ this is for the left stick click. The latest version features a similar button to the underside buttons which gives a larger surface area than the previous model.
The thumbstick extension housing is also smaller in the latest update (similar to the ones covered in this post). The website also gives you the option of cover types which will be discussed in more detail further below.
Useful tips
‘Lefty’ controller users may find it easier to remap the face buttons (A, B, X, Y/Cross, Circle, Triangle and Square) to the D-pad when setting up the controller to bring those buttons closer for use with the left hand. This could also be used to swap the stick use over, depending on the console. See our post about remapping at system level on different consoles.
‘Righty’ controller users may not need to remap the face buttons as those may already be more accessible for right-handed use by default.
Optional Controller Features
Evil Controllers offer many options to help you customise the controller to your needs. While their website explains these options in more detail, here are some that we commonly use ourselves:
Remapping
No remapping: the underside controller arm paddles will default as the opposite side shoulder buttons.
Remapping: the underside controller paddles can be remapped to any input without the need for extra software.
Extension Type
As with previous models, you can opt for a thumbstick extension. This is mapped to the opposite side joystick and is commonly used as a chin or foot joystick.
With the latest version, you can choose to have the joystick base flat (useful if it is being mounted onto something) or a handle base (concave base for attaching the joystick to the controller arm using appropriate adhesive) to be used in a similar way to the Ben Heck style of controllers.
Please note that using the handle base and joystick in this way reverses the joystick direction of the extra joystick (i.e. Up = Down). Evil Controllers state they can alter this default to your preferences if you contact them prior to ordering.
You can also use an interchangeable base which gives you the option for both. The photo below shows the curved option which we have glued onto the bottom of the controller’s hand grip:
Thumbstick Extension Cable Length
When ordering the controller online, you can choose the length of cable required for the thumbstick extension.
Master Mod
Master Mod is an additional option which opens up features such as extra macros for gameplay.
Mounting the controller
Some of the people we work with find that supporting the controller and using the buttons can be difficult. The two most common ways we do this at SpecialEffect are by using:
- Mounting Arm – A Manfrotto Variable Friction Arm with a clamp, a small triangular mounting plate and Dual Lock tape secures the controller in place. Whilst it can be difficult to find a safe, firm surface to grip the clamp to, it can be a very flexible option. This video takes you through how to set up a Manfrotto mounting arm in more detail.
- Velcro Tray with Mounting Wedge – you can use these to hold the weight of the controller, allowing for the whole dominant hand to access the controller as needed. See Samuel’s case study for more information on mounting an Evil Controller in this way.
Other Platforms
At the time of writing, Evil Controllers have ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ versions for PS4, Xbox One and Xbox One Series S/X controllers, but you can also use the controllers on other consoles, such as a Nintendo Switch, with a compatible adapter. Xbox One/Series controllers can inherently be used on Windows 10 PCs for controller-supported games. In some cases (such as when playing on Steam), PS4 Dualshock controllers may also be compatible on Windows.
For more information on this and other single-handed set ups, please get in touch via the contact us page.
Equipment Links (unaffiliated):
Evil Controllers update their designs regularly, so please check their website for details of the latest ‘Lefty’ and ‘Righty’ controller models:
PS4 one-handed controller: https://www.evilcontrollers.com/ps4-one-handed-controller
Xbox One one-handed controller: https://www.evilcontrollers.com/xone-one-handed-controller
Xbox One Series X one-handed controller: https://www.evilcontrollers.com/xone-series-x-one-handed-controller
