An Adaptive Video Game Switch

For my project, I created an adaptive video game switch designed to help people with physical disabilities play video games more easily. I designed and 3D printed the switch housing and then added copper tape to act as a conductive contact so the switch could send an input when pressed. The goal of the project was to create a simple and affordable gaming tool for individuals who may have difficulty using standard controllers because of limited mobility or strength in their hands. By pressing the large adaptive switch, the user can activate a game input without needing to use small buttons. This project shows how technology like 3D printing and basic electronics can be used to make gaming more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

For this project, I used several different supplies and skills to build the adaptive video game switch. I used 3D printing filament to print the main body of the switch using CAD design skills. Copper tape was added inside the switch to create a conductive surface that allows the switch to send a signal when pressed. I also used purple rubber bands to help provide tension and allow the button to return to its original position after being pushed. Gold brads were used to help hold parts together and assist with the electrical connection. Combining these materials with my CAD design skills allowed me to create a functional and accessible gaming switch.

The project began in the digital workspace, where I designed the custom enclosures and plates using CAD software to ensure every dimension was precise. After the design was finalized, I 3D printed the components and made holes around the perimeter of the circular disc and the square base. These holes were strategically placed to serve as the mounting points for the suspension system that would eventually hold the two pieces together while allowing for vertical movement.

Once the physical structure was ready, I focused on the internal electronics by preparing the contact points. I added copper tape to the center of the square base and the underside of the circular disc, creating two conductive surfaces that would act as a switch. I then attached wiring to the copper sections, allowing the device to send a signal to a microcontroller whenever the two copper-covered surfaces make physical contact.

For the second part of the assembly, I returned to CAD to design a slightly smaller circular component that would nest perfectly within the larger setup. This piece required a more intricate layout, so I precisely made holes along the entire circumference of the circle shape to allow for multiple connection points. Once the 3D print was finished, I added gold brads into each of these holes, which not only served as decorative accents but also functioned as robust mechanical anchors. This smaller, detailed part acts as the core interface of the build, providing a more compact and refined touch point for the user.

The final stage involved the mechanical assembly to give the button its tactile feel and reset capability. I added rubber bands by threading them through the holes in the base and up through the disc, creating a spring-like tension that keeps the plates separated by default. To lock everything in place and provide a clean finish, I added gold brads to the top of the disc to act as anchors for the rubber bands, resulting in a functional, spring-loaded touch sensor.

To bring the project to life, I integrated the MaKey MaKey tool by connecting its alligator clips directly to the wires leading from the copper tape on my device. By attaching one lead to the "Earth" or ground bar and the other to a specific input like the "Space" or "Click" pad, I turned the physical 3D-printed assembly into a functional computer peripheral. Now, when the circular disc is pressed down and the copper surfaces touch, the MaKey MaKey sends a signal to the computer just like a standard keyboard or mouse. This connection bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, allowing my custom-built switch to trigger sounds, control games, or interact with software in real-time.

To use the finished device, you simply apply light pressure to the circular top plate, pushing it downward against the tension of the rubber bands. As the plate moves, the copper tape on its underside makes direct contact with the copper tape on the base, closing the electrical circuit and sending an instant signal through the MaKey MaKey to your computer. Because the rubber bands are threaded through the gold brads, they provide a satisfying spring-back action that immediately pulls the disc upward and breaks the connection the moment you let go. This creates a responsive, tactile button that can be used to play games, trigger digital sounds, or control any software that reacts to a keyboard press.