Head, Mouth and Eye Controls
The following list details a number of different styles of head, mouth and eye operated controllers. Most of these are for PCs and Apple computers, but there are alternatives for games consoles too. Some of these devices are very expensive, so it is always worth trying to track down some way of trying before you buy. Please feel free to e-mail for help on anything that is unclear, and to offer any new accessible gaming discoveries.
Brain Control
There are a number of devices available in this field.
The simplest to set-up are the Neurosky range of headsets. See Myndplay for the most comfortable Neurosky based headset.
Less convenient to set up and learn, but more sensitive are the Emotiv headsets.
Camera Mouse
From Camera Mouse (FREE)
Camera Mouse is a free program that allows you to control the mouse pointer on a Windows computer just by moving your head. Clicking can be done by making the mouse pointer dwell over a spot on the screen.
Eye Control
From Tobii (e.g. Eye Tracker 4C) & others.
Gaze Point free Tobii eye to mouse pointer software.
Project Iris to convert on-screen areas to key-presses.
GCM100P
From OneSwitch and Celtic Magic: The Game Control Mixer GCM100P interface enables people to reach all main PS4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox gamepad controls using sip-puff and a single chin joystick.
HAPP
The Celtic Magic Huff And Puff Processor 100 (HAPP100) is an advanced breath operated PC controller.
This device allows for fine control over a mouse to control a PC.
Head Mounted Switches
There are a huge range of switches that can be positioned on or around the head. These include:
Chin switch; SCATIR switch (for very small movements); Sound operated switch; Piezo switches (for very small movements); Sensa Switch; Sip-puff switches.
For more on switches and mounting systems, see the Switch section. Also consider chin mounted joysticks.
HeadMouse Extreme
From Origin Instruments (USA)
A very easy to set-up head-tracker for PCs and Macs with an excellent mounting system and switch access.
Head Pointer
From QED
A low-tech solution, although this one is quite pricey. Also known as a head wand.
Integra Mouse
From Tash (USA)
Another expensive but high-quality looking mouth controller for PCs and Macs. See this SpecialEffect video for info on Xbox 360 and PS3 compatibility.
Jouse2 - Mouth Control
From Compusult
An expensive but high-quality looking mouth controller for PCs and Macs. Has the facility to enter text via sip-puff morse-code!
Kinesic Mouse
From Markus Pr£ll
Windows PC Kinect based software that can translate a wide range of head-movements, facial expressions, and blinks to key, mouse and/or joystick events. Requires a Windows Kinect controller.
Natural Point Head Trackers
From Natural Point
The SmartNAV 3 tracks a silver-dot that can be placed on the forehead, a pair of glasses, or a hat. This movement is then transferred to the mouse pointer. PC only.
It can be used with external switches, voice clicking or the supplied dwell clicker. It can also be used with Track Mapper to make this compatible with many keyboard accessible games.
OAK Air Switch
From Assist-i-Net
An incredibly sensitive Kinect based switch system for Windows PCs.
QuadJoy - Mouth Control
From QuadJoy
Another fairly pricey but professional device for mouth control of a PCs and Macs. Use the in-built sip/puff control to trigger mouse clicks.
QuadStick
From QuadStick
The spiritual successor to Ken Yankelevitz's Quad Controller. For Android, PC, PS3 and other machines via adapters.
TetraMouse
From TetraLite Products
A versatile and cheaply priced head-controller for USB equipped PCs and Macs. This unit can be adapted for use with the tongue too.
See the TetraMouse comparison page for more on this device, as well as many other head controlled devices.
Voice Control
Lots of links at OneSwitch Blog.
As with most PC controls, these can be mixed into the controls of consoles too. See also MishkinaMish, GlovePie, Vocola, DWVAC, Dragon Gaming.
Assistive Software
Software utilities for PCs and Macs to aid head-gaming.
Wanted
Most Wanted list for Accessible Gaming Gear. Features the OneSwitch wish list, and other individual's unfulfilled wants.
Lomak
Out of Production: Lomak
An unusual light activated controller using a laser and specialised keyboard for PCs.
Quad Controller
Out of Production: KY Enterprises
A fully compatible sip and puff controller for the Playstation 2, Xbox, Xbox360 and other machines using adapters. See also QuadStick.
Related Accessible Gaming Links
Ability Net - is a UK charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology.
Ace Centre - have a great guide to alternative mouse pointers, including web-cam and ultra-sonic based interfaces.
Axistive - Useful links to Sip and Puff products and information.
COGAIN.org - Communication by Gaze Interaction. Much useful information for eye-tracker users.
Game-Accessibility - Focusing on the accessibility of electronic games for gamers with disabilities. See the Head-Tracker Games forum for compatible video games.
Simmunity - Have created a tongue-pointer controlled Game Boy Advance in the past, and may be able to take on new related projects.