Thanks to everyone who’s viewed my last blog! When writing it, I honestly didn’t imagine it would get as many views as it has, so thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to read it and to share it!
As mentioned in the tweet I sent out after, I’m going to be spend much of the coming days blogging more about accessible gaming solutions, and as you can see in this title, this is something I’m continuing now.
At the minute, I’ve been loaned accessible gaming equipment by Special Effect _ which is a UK charity that helps people with disabilities get back into video games, and which I have massive respect for. Some of the equipment I’m trying is to help me hold the controller _ something that I, and a lot of other gamers, have difficulty with, especially if you can do everything in front of the controller but not at the back, and if you can’t physically hold it yourself.
But before I get started, here’s another reminder of where you can follow me on social media. You can follow my personal Twitter at: @Phoebslyle on Twitter, and you can also follow Technology Reviews at: @TechReviewsuk_. I am also on Instagram at: therealphoebslyle, and if you want to follow Technology Reviews, it’s: technologyreviewsuk. I’m also trying to set up a Podcast for Technology Reviews called the Accessible Technology Podcast where you can listen to previous episodes by searching for Phoebs Lyle and which I should be able to update soon. You can also subscribe to the YouTube Channel which has been updated to Phoebs Does Technology Reviews and which I will get round to updating soon (I had to double check I would be able to upload this today, and I was going to film the other week but then I had to take a week off all work last week because my Aunt sadly died). But as well as all the other places you can find me, you can also like the Facebook Page which is Technology Reviews, and which all these blog posts share to. In the next few weeks, I will hopefully have more of my other content sharing to the Facebook Page as well.
But now, let’s get into this accessible gaming solution blog.
So yes, I’ve been loaned this equipment I’m reviewing today by Special Effect, but it is actually sold by Inclusive Technology, and developed by a company called Maxess. Inclusive sell a range of accessible technology for all different abilities, including what we’re reviewing today, the Maxess Switch Tray and the Maxess Medium Switch Mount.
Developed in partnership with therapists and switch users, the Maxess Switch Tray enables switches to be securely positioned and moved around in any way that might be most efficient for the switch user. Cushioned for comfort, the switch tray holds switches and mounts securely in control, making it ideal for people facing many situations. There are 3 sizes of trays available _ the Maxess Switch Tray 540mm x 290mm, the 350mm x 350mm, and the 240mm x 350mm.
Many switch owners find it easier to hit a switch if a switch is at an angle, which is what the Maxess switch mounts make possible. Like the switch trays, they’re available in a small, medium and large size. Double sided with velcro, they give two alternative mounting positions of 55° and 85° _ depending on what side is easier for the user _ and stick to the tray. But you don’t just have to stick switches to the mount, because I use it to use my Xbox Elite Controller, with the tray holding my Adaptive Controller and any other switches. I really like the feel of the Elite when mounted because it doesn’t move around as much as it would when I would mount it against a box it _ where it would stay for a bit but then fall. But be aware that you might need to stick pieces of velcro to the handles of the controller if you have similar problems holding it and you’re using the tray and clamp for that, because the controller can still slip depending on how much pressure you’re using and how long you’ve been using it. You don’t want the controller to slip slowly away from you on those long gaming days.
The Maxess Switch tray can be bought for between £30-£40 depending on what size you get and the Switch mount can be bought for between £16-£21, again depending on the size. But overall, I’m happy with what you can use it for.
Phoebelyle.com 