Punchy punchout controller

posted Feb 3rd 2009 8:44am by
filed under: classic hacks, pcs hacks, peripherals hacks

punchy_mcpunchpunch

We love alternative inputs. They can revitalize an old classic or add a twist to most any mundane task. Here, we see a perfect example where the game Punch Out for the NES is being controlled by a punching bag type thing. The impact sensors were made by hand, and wired to a PC game pad. They were mounted on some foam, allowing for a nice mushy punching surface.  There’s some feedback too, when your character is hit, a custom script detects the change in the sprites color and sends a signal to an Arduino. Right now, it just lights an LED, but the goal is to signal a strobe to make you flinch. This looks like it would be fun to play with, especially if you were to make it a little more high impact.  You can see a video of them lightly assaulting it after the break.



5 Responses to Punchy punchout controller

  • Timothy says:

    that’s cool. I’d love to play the game w/ one of those. Awesome idea

  • DrewG says:

    If someone really wants to be cool they would hook it up to one of those workout punching bags shaped like a human you could break out the old nintendo powerpad(or some foil) and make step pads to block and lean.. now that would be a fun workout!!

  • Jeff says:

    embed a 10″ screen into a punching bag, motion sensing pad beneath. thatd be sweet. like a giant angry chumby.

  • Pouncer says:

    “Right now, it just lights an LED, but the goal is to signal a strobe to make you flinch”
    …or convulse if your prone to do so.
    Very cool none the less!

  • Rob says:

    Pretty clever idea. I’d love to see a full-sized punching bag loaded with sensors, and turn this into a boxing game. Of course, the punching bag would have to move and fight back…

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