Embodiments generate haptic effects on a device that is grasped by a user on a first side having a corresponding first haptic output device and on a second side having a corresponding second haptic output device. Embodiments receive a first haptic effect channel and receive a second haptic effect channel. Embodiments determine that the first side is more tightly grasped by the user than the second side. Embodiments then, based on the determining, assign the first haptic effect channel to the first haptic output device and assign the second haptic effect channel to the second haptic output device.