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Buying Sony PS5 AccessController

grommet

Well-Known Member
I had to stop using my new PS5 because my hands hurt too much using a PS5 DualSense controller. The claw grip does not work for me. I miss my games and I do not want o lose all the money I spent but it will be more than $100 for a PS5 Access Controller and long USB C-to-C cable. I am trying to decide if I should spend more money. It is already so much.

If the new controller worked for me I could play as much as I want. I have been wondering why I hurt so much and I remembered years ago trying a new kind of push rim for my wheelchair that instead of being a round tube, had an oval cross section. It was called Natural Fit and I wanted a set for years. Supposed to fill in the hand more naturally it looked great. It caused me awful pain. I cannot grip that way. Not a bad product, just not for me.

I miss my games I want to play but what is your advice, should I spend more money and try the Access Controller?

Screenshot 2024-08-01 at 13.07.00.png
 
I miss my games I want to play but what is your advice, should I spend more money and try the Access Controller?

What is your physical comfort worth to you given your initial investment in the PS5 ?

In the working world, ergonomics is VERY important. Yet so is your investment, as is your health.
 
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Okay, a couple of things, from someone who goes through this kind of pain regularly:

First, how often were you using the thing? And when using it, how long were your sessions? Too much use of ANY controller can mess up your hands/wrists/arms/whatever. Exactly how much use is "too much" depends very much on the individual. I have to watch it myself, if I use any controller too much (or the mouse) my entire right arm will flare up (I actually wear an arm brace at all times because of all of this). Not fun, I tell ya. When flared up, I cant lift/hold much of anything, so I have to be careful. And the PS5 controller isnt exactly the best in terms of... er... ergonomics? I'm not sure if that's the right word, but I know for me, it's the controller that causes me the most problems out of all the different types (I switched to Xbox).

I would say, any gaming session longer than 2 hours at a time is too much at once.

Second, how were you holding it, and how are your arms resting on whatever?

I'm asking these things because before trying to buy some new thing that I guarantee is going to be another challenge to use (getting used to a new type of controller is always a challenge), try to examine the current situation as much as possible.

I also have a quick suggestion: Put the thing down and dont use it for, say, a week. Dont touch it whatsoever. Take it very easy on yourself for that time. Dont do anything strenuous. Relaxing activities only. After that, try it again for a day or two and just see how it feels. That might help you judge everything.

If you were to do all of that and it STILL just aint working out? Then I'd say yeah, get yourself the access controller.

Anyway, really, I do sympathize here. I go through this nonsense a lot. Like, A LOT. I know how bloody frustrating it is.
 
And the PS5 controller isnt exactly the best in terms of... er... ergonomics? I'm not sure if that's the right word, but

It's very much the right word. Ergonomics not implemented can be eventually very costly in the workforce. Even over what might be considered mundane, repetitive work and use of the hands.

However a lack of ergonomics can be just as debilitating in game play as it can in work functions relative to repetitive hand movement.

What @grommet is asking is important.

https://www.makeuseof.com/gaming-ergonomics-tips-prevent-pain-while-playing/
 
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It's very much the right word. Ergonomics not implemented can be eventually very costly in the workforce. Even over what might be considered mundane, repetitive work and use of the hands.

However a lack of ergonomics can be just as debilitating in game play as it can in work functions relative to repetitive hand movement.

What @grommet is asking is important.

https://www.makeuseof.com/gaming-ergonomics-tips-prevent-pain-while-playing/

Aye, definitely.

Sadly, it's also one of those things that often isnt realized until it's too late. I tell ya, there are times when I kinda wish I could go back in time and smack my younger self for not being a lot more careful about this. Maybe I wouldnt be needing the arm brace all the time if I'd understood more, back then.

Even something just as simple as a computer mouse, it's amazing how much there is to it. I hadnt realized at all just how odd the holding position for a normal mouse is until I got myself a vertical mouse. No freakin' way I could go back to a "normal" one now, the vertical one is just too good.

The big question I have though in this very specific topic is, what exactly is it about the Playstation line of controllers that causes issues VS other ones? Like seriously, I can use an Xbox controller, or a Switch one (the Pro line, specifically), with no trouble, as long as I'm respecting my normal limitations and taking breaks and varying my activities and all of the good stuff.

But the Playstation controller? I last about 45 minutes with it. It's always been a problem but I've never been able to figure out WHY, when compared with the other controllers. There's got to be something about it.
 
Some of this reminded me of when all I had was a CH Flight stick as my "joystick" controller for flight simulators. It was a godsend to my hand and wrist to upgrade years later to a more ergonomic Gravis Blackhawk Controller. I still have that controller today, though I've had to take it apart and renovate it the best I could given all the wear and tear over the years. Unfortunately it uses a proprietary connector that requires an ISA soundblaster card.

Gravis Blackhawk:

iu


CH Flightstick:

iu
 
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What is your physical comfort worth to you given your initial investment in the PS5 ?

In the working world, ergonomics is VERY important. Yet so is your investment, as is your health.

It is a joy to speak to someone so smart, I mean this literally. You cut right through it, thank you ♥️
 
It is a joy to speak to someone so smart, I mean this literally. You cut right through it, thank you ♥️
LOL...not smart. Just experienced in making a number of mistakes. ;)

Though in this instance it also helped to be a workers compensation underwriter with a keen understanding of ergonomics, particularly relative to the hand, wrist, forearms and neck. You wouldn't believe some of the hell that employers put employees through just over using a computer in their workstation.
 
Okay, a couple of things, from someone who goes through this kind of pain regularly:

First, how often were you using the thing? And when using it, how long were your sessions?

Every day, the last day for six hours. I think it is the intensity with which I play. I had a "death grip" (expression). For me the game feels real. I feel terrified when they suddenly discover me close by, stand over me in my hiding place and start shooting. My whole body is shaking. My heart races.
Too much use of ANY controller can mess up your hands/wrists/arms/whatever.

I did not know that. I do not think I have had the problem with tools. I once worked on a knot project for twelve hours. I do not remember any pain.
Exactly how much use is "too much" depends very much on the individual. I have to watch it myself, if I use any controller too much (or the mouse) my entire right arm will flare up (I actually wear an arm brace at all times because of all of this). Not fun, I tell ya. When flared up, I cant lift/hold much of anything, so I have to be careful. And the PS5 controller isnt exactly the best in terms of... er... ergonomics? I'm not sure if that's the right word, but I know for me, it's the controller that causes me the most problems out of all the different types (I switched to Xbox).
I was in agony for two days. I am using the word correctly.
I would say, any gaming session longer than 2 hours at a time is too much at once.

Because I am new I thought everybody who gamed did it for hours and hours, all day long. I thought if that was true then its must be okay. I drew conclusions based on assumptions.
Second, how were you holding it, and how are your arms resting on whatever?

I think they call it "claw".
I'm asking these things because before trying to buy some new thing that I guarantee is going to be another challenge to use (getting used to a new type of controller is always a challenge), try to examine the current situation as much as possible.

I also have a quick suggestion: Put the thing down and dont use it for, say, a week.

I did that. I did not have a choice. The pain was unbearable.
Dont touch it whatsoever. Take it very easy on yourself for that time. Dont do anything strenuous.

I did that. I wash the clothes I wear every day. Last night I did not. Hard to break a habit and I feel lazy but it seemed wise.
Relaxing activities only. After that, try it again for a day or two and just see how it feels. That might help you judge everything.
If you were to do all of that and it STILL just aint working out? Then I'd say yeah, get yourself the access controller.

Anyway, really, I do sympathize here. I go through this nonsense a lot. Like, A LOT. I know how bloody frustrating it is.

I believe you understand better than anyone could. Thank you for helping.
 
I did that. I did not have a choice. The pain was unbearable.

I think you might want to try doing it for longer, based on what you said.

Six hours in a session is a LOT. Particularly if you're doing what you refer to as a "death grip" (and yeah, I'm familiar with that term, surprise surprise I've done it myself at times, heh).

I know there's this odd tendency for it to seem like gamers as a whole spend like 5 zillion hours a day doing that, but honestly, those who do that are outliers. You might see it from someone who takes part in e-sports for instance (where actual money is on the line, so they MUST train/practice a whole lot), or from someone who has gotten a bit too addicted (that's a whole other topic though).

But really, that's not supposed to be how it is. If someone is going that far for too long, it doesnt matter how fit they think they are, they WILL hit this point that you've hit. It might take them longer to hit it, based on physical condition or whatever, or heck, they may hit it faster than you or I did. But they WILL hit it, eventually.

Try to keep in mind: Examples that you see, particularly on the internet, can often be outliers like that. This can go for all sorts of things... not just gaming. Outliers tend to shine online, which can make it seem like those outliers are the norm, when they actually are not.


I have a couple of suggestions for you after thinkning about this a bunch:

First of all: Take a break. A longer break. I'd say... give it three weeks to start with. It's gonna give you a chance to heal up a bit from having pushed yourself too much. Remember, the gizmo aint going anywhere, it'll still be there for you to use.

Secondly: once you play it again... maybe try something a bit more calm? If you're getting so into it that you're doing the death grip thing, you've gone too far too fast. It's not exactly unheard of... I've seen others do it, who are in your position, getting into gaming for the first time. Same agitation, same tendency to strangle the controller and mess up their hands. This can happen not just with gaming, but with all sorts of things. After all, you're not used to it yet, and everything is overwhelming. This is one of the reasons why I was talking about trying different types of games in the previous thread. Calmer, slower things that might get you used to the controller in a controlled manner that doesnt make you feel like you're going to explode or something.

Third: EXERCISE, sir. I dont mean like, just walking or running. There are a lot of exercises and stretches that are meant to help with hand/wrist/arm problems and such. When you're doing any hobby a lot... and I mean ANY hobby... this kind of nonsense can happen, and exercises and stretches are the best way to combat it.

Four: If you can, see a doctor. The reason I'm saying this is because a doctor can help pinpoint exactly where the pain is coming from. Like, for me, I get a lot of pain in my forearm and hand, but the actual problem is in my neck & shoulder. Similarly, sometimes it can be the other way around; like when I'm doing my art stuff, that's all hand/wrist motion and such, but if I go overboard, the entire right side of my head/face/neck will start to hurt like heck, as will my shoulder. That kind of travelling pain can be very confusing, and if you arent aware of where the actual problem is, you cant apply solutions to it effectively. A doctor might also have suggestions for you on things you can do to alleviate issues in the future.

Five: PLEASE slow the heck down. You've got a bit of a bad habit of rushing into things, even more than I do. You can be calmer, less stressed, learn more, and appreciate more, when you slow down. Doesnt that sound a lot better?

Six: if you can, anti-inflammatory medication can help. Advil, I mean. The kind of pain you're having is exactly what that is best at helping with. BUT. See a doctor first, and discuss it with them. I take a lot of Advil myself, for all of this stuff, as advised by my own doctors and my physical therapist. But perhaps your doctor may want you to do something else, or may have a different med they'd suggest. Ya wont know till ya go.

And lastly... take breaks. No super long sessions in a day, and split those sessions up when you do them, whatever the length. Like, even I will do things like, okay, gonna play this for 45 minutes... okay, time to save and exit, because it's time for a break, I'll go do X for awhile and then come back in an hour or so and I can continue. Remember, the ones doing the marathon sessions all the time are outliers, and there's a decent chance they're experiencing... or are soon going to experience... problems of their own because of it.


I was in agony for two days. I am using the word correctly.

Oh yeah, I know. I've been there. It got bad. I actually had a period of about two straight years where I couldnt really use a computer mouse for much, because of the nature of my arm issues at the time. I actually rigged up a controller to serve as the mouse (yep, that's a thing that can be done) and used that for that time.

And that sucked! There was more to it too, and I dont want you to have to go through any of that nonsense.

I think they call it "claw".


This part here, I do question. When I hear of the "claw grip", the image that comes to mind is someone holding the controller, but using both their thumb AND index fingers on the front buttons (your index fingers should only be used on the buttons on the top/back of the controller), while the rest of their fingers are still on the rear of the controller. This type of grip is often associated with games that werent designed very well, in terms of controls. Only your thumbs should be hitting the front buttons and sticks.

Gripping/using the controller incorrectly will just absolutely wreck your hands/arms/everything, seriously. I wouldnt even last 10 minutes doing that and I'd need days to recover.

If you arent totally sure you're holding it right, maybe take a picture of how you ARE holding it, and show us here.

I believe you understand better than anyone could. Thank you for helping.

Heyyyyy, no problem at all! I'm glad to help.
 
I think you might want to try doing it for longer, based on what you said.

Six hours in a session is a LOT. Particularly if you're doing what you refer to as a "death grip" (and yeah, I'm familiar with that term, surprise surprise I've done it myself at times, heh).

I know there's this odd tendency for it to seem like gamers as a whole spend like 5 zillion hours a day doing that, but honestly, those who do that are outliers. You might see it from someone who takes part in e-sports for instance (where actual money is on the line, so they MUST train/practice a whole lot), or from someone who has gotten a bit too addicted (that's a whole other topic though).

But really, that's not supposed to be how it is. If someone is going that far for too long, it doesnt matter how fit they think they are, they WILL hit this point that you've hit. It might take them longer to hit it, based on physical condition or whatever, or heck, they may hit it faster than you or I did. But they WILL hit it, eventually.

Try to keep in mind: Examples that you see, particularly on the internet, can often be outliers like that. This can go for all sorts of things... not just gaming. Outliers tend to shine online, which can make it seem like those outliers are the norm, when they actually are not.


I have a couple of suggestions for you after thinkning about this a bunch:

First of all: Take a break. A longer break. I'd say... give it three weeks to start with. It's gonna give you a chance to heal up a bit from having pushed yourself too much. Remember, the gizmo aint going anywhere, it'll still be there for you to use.

Secondly: once you play it again... maybe try something a bit more calm? If you're getting so into it that you're doing the death grip thing, you've gone too far too fast. It's not exactly unheard of... I've seen others do it, who are in your position, getting into gaming for the first time. Same agitation, same tendency to strangle the controller and mess up their hands. This can happen not just with gaming, but with all sorts of things. After all, you're not used to it yet, and everything is overwhelming. This is one of the reasons why I was talking about trying different types of games in the previous thread. Calmer, slower things that might get you used to the controller in a controlled manner that doesnt make you feel like you're going to explode or something.

Third: EXERCISE, sir. I dont mean like, just walking or running. There are a lot of exercises and stretches that are meant to help with hand/wrist/arm problems and such. When you're doing any hobby a lot... and I mean ANY hobby... this kind of nonsense can happen, and exercises and stretches are the best way to combat it.

Four: If you can, see a doctor. The reason I'm saying this is because a doctor can help pinpoint exactly where the pain is coming from. Like, for me, I get a lot of pain in my forearm and hand, but the actual problem is in my neck & shoulder. Similarly, sometimes it can be the other way around; like when I'm doing my art stuff, that's all hand/wrist motion and such, but if I go overboard, the entire right side of my head/face/neck will start to hurt like heck, as will my shoulder. That kind of travelling pain can be very confusing, and if you arent aware of where the actual problem is, you cant apply solutions to it effectively. A doctor might also have suggestions for you on things you can do to alleviate issues in the future.

Five: PLEASE slow the heck down. You've got a bit of a bad habit of rushing into things, even more than I do. You can be calmer, less stressed, learn more, and appreciate more, when you slow down. Doesnt that sound a lot better?

Six: if you can, anti-inflammatory medication can help. Advil, I mean. The kind of pain you're having is exactly what that is best at helping with. BUT. See a doctor first, and discuss it with them. I take a lot of Advil myself, for all of this stuff, as advised by my own doctors and my physical therapist. But perhaps your doctor may want you to do something else, or may have a different med they'd suggest. Ya wont know till ya go.

And lastly... take breaks. No super long sessions in a day, and split those sessions up when you do them, whatever the length. Like, even I will do things like, okay, gonna play this for 45 minutes... okay, time to save and exit, because it's time for a break, I'll go do X for awhile and then come back in an hour or so and I can continue. Remember, the ones doing the marathon sessions all the time are outliers, and there's a decent chance they're experiencing... or are soon going to experience... problems of their own because of it.




Oh yeah, I know. I've been there. It got bad. I actually had a period of about two straight years where I couldnt really use a computer mouse for much, because of the nature of my arm issues at the time. I actually rigged up a controller to serve as the mouse (yep, that's a thing that can be done) and used that for that time.

And that sucked! There was more to it too, and I dont want you to have to go through any of that nonsense.




This part here, I do question. When I hear of the "claw grip", the image that comes to mind is someone holding the controller, but using both their thumb AND index fingers on the front buttons (your index fingers should only be used on the buttons on the top/back of the controller), while the rest of their fingers are still on the rear of the controller. This type of grip is often associated with games that werent designed very well, in terms of controls. Only your thumbs should be hitting the front buttons and sticks.

Gripping/using the controller incorrectly will just absolutely wreck your hands/arms/everything, seriously. I wouldnt even last 10 minutes doing that and I'd need days to recover.

If you arent totally sure you're holding it right, maybe take a picture of how you ARE holding it, and show us here.



Heyyyyy, no problem at all! I'm glad to help.

I am tired, I want to write more but I cannot right now. I did take a picture of my grip. This is how I hold it. I said "claw grip" because people online used that. I do not know what it really is.
grip.JPG
 
I am tired, I want to write more but I cannot right now. I did take a picture of my grip. This is how I hold it. I said "claw grip" because people online used that. I do not know what it really is.

Aye, no worries, and you are holding it correctly.

The sort of claw grip that I'm talking about (I've also heard it referred to as the "crab grip") is sorta holding it like you are right now, but the difference is that the person will have their index fingers on the dpad (the cross thing) or the buttons on the right there, while their thumbs are still on the sticks.

It's not something that's normally going to be a thing outside of a few very badly designed games that kinda require it (though I havent seen one like that in a long time), but I have seen people new to the hobby do it in just random games for some reason, so I figured I'd just mention it just in case it was a factor.
 

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