Flex Controller: A practical guide to understanding, setting up, and using the accessible controller (Nintendo Switch and PC)

Redazione ForAllWe
Jan 2
5 min read

Gray Nintendo Switch Flex Controller, official Nintendo licensed product, designed for accessible and customizable gameplay. — ‘’Screenshot, © Flex-Controller.com’’

Note to the reader

This article delves into the technical details of an accessible gaming tool. You don't need to be an expert: we've chosen simple and practical language, also designed for family members, educators, and those who accompany people with disabilities while gaming. If something seems complex, please take the time to read carefully: each section is designed to be helpful, not technical.

The Flex Controller is a controller designed for accessible gaming: instead of holding a traditional gamepad, you can connect external sensors/switches (with a 3.5mm mono jack) and compatible joysticks via USB to build a customized station. The device offers 18 3.5mm jack inputs and 2 USB ports dedicated to joysticks (L-stick / R-stick).

Who needs it (and why it's different from a "normal" controller)

The Flex Controller was designed for people with specific motor needs (and with the support of occupational therapists during development), to allow for customized configurations based on the available movements.

In practice, you can:

use one or more large buttons (switches) where it is most comfortable for you (hand, head, knee, etc.)
add an external joystick that is more accessible than the standard sticks
create different profiles for different games and recall them when needed

Compatibility: What Works and What Doesn't

Supported platforms

Nintendo Switch : only in TV mode (so with the console in the dock).
Windows PC : Works with XInput games (not DirectInput).

External switches and sensors

In general, all switches with a 3.5 mm monophonic jack are compatible , but some particular “sensors” may introduce delays or unwanted behaviors (pressing
repeated/held).

USB-compatible joysticks (examples)

On the product website you will find a list of supported joysticks/controllers (e.g. Pretorian Optima/Ultra Joystick; some HORI controllers).

Important note about connected USB controllers: If you connect an external controller via USB, in many cases only the L-stick/R-stick will work , while the buttons on that controller will not be read by the Flex Controller.

60-Second Hardware Overview

18 3.5mm jack sockets : each can become a “button” (A/B/X/Y, directions, L/R, ZL/ZR, +/–, Home, Capture, etc. depending on assignments and profile).
2 USB ports : for L-stick and R-stick joysticks.
Upper buttons on the body of the device: useful for menu/settings navigation when accessible.
1/4” threaded hole (photographic standard) for mounting on arms/joints and stable positioning.

Nintendo Switch connected to a Flex Controller with external buttons and a Pro Controller, arranged on a wooden desk in front of a TV. — ‘’Screenshot, © Flex-Controller.com’’

Quick Setup: Nintendo Switch (TV Mode)

Place your Switch in the dock and turn it on (the Flex Controller is designed for use in TV mode).
Connect the Flex Controller to the Switch (using the provided cable/controller cable)
Connect your 3.5mm switches to the inputs you want to use
If you need an analog stick, connect a compatible joystick to the USB “L-stick” or “R-stick” port
Try it right away in a game menu: if something doesn't work, go to the "Setup with app" section to remap

Practical tip: Start with 2–4 essential commands (e.g. A, B, directions, pause) and then add complexity – it’s the fastest way to get a truly usable setup.

Quick Setup: Windows PC (XInput Games)

Set Flex Controller to PC mode (mode switch on device)
Connect Flex Controller to PC via USB
Open an XInput game or controller test screen and verify that the inputs respond

If a game isn't detecting input, the most common reason is that it doesn't support XInput (or is configured for DirectInput).

Advanced Setup: Flex Controller Settings App (Profiles, Sensitivity, Deadzone)

To truly customize the experience, Flex Controller supports a configuration app on Windows that allows:

remap keys (assign your switches the functions you need)
adjust joystick settings (e.g. sensitivity and deadzone )
Save Profiles : 6 profiles for Switch + 6 for PC (total 12) stored in the controller

Recommended workflow (super effective):

Create a “Base” profile with universal controls (A/B, Start, directions)
Duplicate and create a profile for each game/genre (platform, racing, FPS…)
For games that require precision, work on deadzone and stick sensitivity (a few points at a time)

Eye control: playing with the gaze (FCEA)

If you want to control games with eye tracking , there's the Flex Controller Expansion App (FCEA) . It allows you to use on-screen panels activated by your gaze (or mouse dwell), with options for size/position/transparency and timing.

What you need (in summary)

Windows 10/11 PC
compatible eye tracker (e.g. Tobii Eye Tracker 4C/5, Tobii PCEye 5)
(for Switch) an HDMI/USB video capture card + capture software

It's a more complex setup, but it can be a game changer when physical inputs are limited.

Firmware update: when to do it and why

There is an “Update” page on the website with the procedure: download the program, connect the Flex Controller to the PC, start the update and check the file version indicated (e.g. V1.26.08 is mentioned as a reference on the page).

Updating is especially important if you want to use some advanced options (e.g., minimum version compatibility, as indicated in the product notes).

Common problems and quick fixes

“It doesn't work on Switch” → check that the console is in the dock (TV mode)
“Game not responding on PC” → check if the game is XInput
“USB joystick works, but joystick buttons don't” → expected behavior: often only the stick (L/R) is read, not the buttons of the connected controller
“I have strange inputs/delays with some sensors” → some switches/sensors may cause delays or unintentional presses; try another type of switch or review your settings/profile

Setup ideas (to get you started)

“Minimal” setup (2 switches + joystick) : A / B on two large buttons + external joystick for movement
“Menu-friendly” setup : add + / – / Home to dedicated switches to avoid dependence on the upper keys
“Low Fatigue” Setup : Distribute commands across multiple lightweight switches, avoiding repeated long presses

Conclusion

The Flex Controller isn't just an alternative controller, but a tool for autonomy : it allows you to adapt the video game to the person, and not the other way around. Thanks to its modular inputs, compatibility with external switches and joysticks, customizable profiles, and advanced features like eye control, it represents a concrete solution for making gaming more inclusive, flexible, and sustainable over time .

For gamers, caregivers (family members, educators, therapists), or those working in the accessibility field, Flex Controller demonstrates that with the right tools, it's possible to break down real barriers and transform gaming into a space for participation, expression, and fun for everyone. At ForAllWe, we'll continue to share and test solutions like this, with the goal of providing clear, practical, and real-world guides . If you're considering Flex Controller or already use it, the next step is simple: experiment , build your ideal setup, and take the time to adapt it to your needs. Control, finally, is truly yours.