Switch It Up 2011

Great to see that Switch It Up 2011 was clearly hugely enjoyed by all who took part in this yearly accessible gaming and leisure event. Not so easy this year to tell what games were available, but I spied the ever popular Mini Golf 1 Button Style from Danny Boyd (exciting news on an updated version coming soon), Guitar Hero World Tour and Mario Dash. Long may it continue!

London 2012 Paralympic Games

London 2012 Paralympic Games. Tickets on sale 9-26 September. Apply at www.tickets.london2012.com.

Fly Drive

My family and I recently visited Tim Hunkin's ingenious arcade, "The Under the Pier Show" at Southwold. Between us we Whacked Bankers, decided the fate of a sheep (Pet!), re-animated Frankenstein's monster, sunk to the bottom of the sea, had a compressed holiday and saw what we'd look like when reincarnated. I particularly loved the one-button to play Fly Drive machine where you became a fly annoying a human. Truly wonderful.

One Handed Controls and Remapping

The superb video above shows off some of the remapping potential of the XCM remapping devices for Xbox 360 and PS3.

Alternatively for left-handed players, I've just got a couple of left handed controllers back in stock. They will need an adapter to get working on Xbox or PS3.

Hand Dance Pro

Looking at the old fashioned TV, I'm wondering if I've discovered the Hand Dance Pro a little late. Anyway, these are super expensive but use arcade standard parts, so should stand up to a good beating. Alternatives are the Mini DDR mat or building one yourself by hacking large on/off buttons to the contacts of a cheapo fold-up dance mat.

Read more at: Exergame Fitness, Cobalt Flux, Fitness Gaming, Motion Kids, Palos Sports and S&S Discount PE Superstore.

Update: Still available at this time for $499.99 USD (Product code CFHP1) according to Zak Wellard of Cobalt Flux.

Switch Drinks Pourer - ジュースをつぐマシーン

This "moroQ" switch adapted drinks machine is a great idea, that I've not seen before (this drink pouring machine is the closest thing). I can imagine loads of potential uses for that, drinks for family, pets, friends, customers, cooking and maybe even art. Nearest I could find in the UK is the novelty "Kooler Klub Golfer's Drink Dispenser". If anyone can find something more like the pictured Bandai machine, please post a comment.

Adroit Switchblade

Launched last month, the Adroit Switchblade for Xbox 360 from EvilControllers resulted after a tie-up with AbleGamers. It's got a lovely mix of accessibility features such as remote rumble packs you can position anywhere (a bit like the Rez Special Edition "Trance Vibrator" for PS2 Rez but should work on all games). It has split modules for the left and right thumb sticks (a bit like the HORI Separate controller but more versatile). It has latching functionality built-in (cheaper than buying external latching switches which my C-SID relies upon). It has three different set-up profiles that can be triggered by a single switch (like JoyToKey on PC).

It comes in at about £266 + import tax in the UK. In comparing the Adroit Switchblade to it's nearest price rival, my C-SID I see things as follows: In the UK, The C-SID is going to work out about £50 cheaper. The C-SID is not available outside of Europe. The C-SID can connect to all the modern platforms and PC/Mac as the Switchblade can plus Wii (classic controller games only such as Mario Kart), fat PS2, Xbox, Dreamcast and Gamecube. The Switchblade has a single switch switchable profile system for the Xbox 360, the C-SID can only do that on PC). The Switchblade has latching features built in, you need to purchase external latching switches for the C-SID. Both allow for team-play on an Xbox 360 with a secondary standard controller (so I'm told), but on the C-SID you can also use a keyboard if helpful.

If you're thinking of buying a switch interface, more food for thought can be found at the Accessible Gaming  Shop. The Adroit Switchblade is definitely good news for choice in game accessibility.