diff --git a/plugins/hifiSixense/src/SixenseManager.h b/plugins/hifiSixense/src/SixenseManager.h
index 56d3c6bc4d..c77569474e 100644
--- a/plugins/hifiSixense/src/SixenseManager.h
+++ b/plugins/hifiSixense/src/SixenseManager.h
@@ -31,7 +31,9 @@ public:
     virtual const QString& getName() const override { return NAME; }
     virtual const QString& getID() const override { return HYDRA_ID_STRING; }
 
-    bool isHandController() const override { return true; }
+    // Sixense always seems to initialize even if the hydras are not present. Is there
+    // a way we can properly detect whether the hydras are present?
+    bool isHandController() const override { return false; }
 
     virtual bool activate() override;
     virtual void deactivate() override;
diff --git a/plugins/oculus/src/OculusControllerManager.h b/plugins/oculus/src/OculusControllerManager.h
index 4c236a375d..234acd7db2 100644
--- a/plugins/oculus/src/OculusControllerManager.h
+++ b/plugins/oculus/src/OculusControllerManager.h
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ public:
     bool isSupported() const override;
     const QString& getName() const override { return NAME; }
 
-    bool isHandController() const override { return true; }
+    bool isHandController() const override { return _touch != nullptr; }
 
     bool activate() override;
     void deactivate() override;