Slashdot Mirror
Controllers for Kids?
zapyon asks: "I have been asked for help with selecting a joystick for a 6 y/o boy, but I am no player. The hardware tests I found (or rather the models tested) seemed to be targeted on more or less grown-up players of 3d shooters and the like.
So I would like to forward the request for help to you slashdotters: Any joysticks you can recommend for a kid? Perhaps simple, but robust models with a smaller 'stick' but large buttons? Perhaps less than 2 dozen special buttons? I remember this 'Competition Pro' joystick I used with my Atari ST ages ago: 2 large red buttons, very robust design. Anything like this today? State-of-the-art top models are certainly too expensive, too.
Hope anyone can help, it's going to be a Christmas present for the boy. He is playing on a Windows XP (personal) with kids' games, but the mouse is not the right device to play these games." This brings me to the topic of controllers suitable for 8-10 year olds for the current crop of consoles. I don't think I've seen a console that has been released in the last 2-3 years that has controllers which are suitable for such small hands. Is there anyone marketing such, and if so, where can one find them?
Trying to control kids with joysticks? They aren't zombie slaves born to do your bidding.
You need a controller for your kid?
No problem!
Try one of those "invisible fences" designed for dog: just put the collar around the kid's neck, and watch as the ghost of BF Skinner confines him to the perimeter of the radio-broadcasting "fence posts".
You might also try ringing a bell before giving him his Chessy Poofs.
Opinions on the Twiddler2 hand-held keyboard?
... are not bad at all for young kids. At least my 1.5 year old nephew has no problems picking up my controller and messing with the game that I was playing while I am in the bathroom..... :)
"You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means..." Inigo Montoya
...the Louisville Slugger!