If you were thinking “I should spend $130 on LEGO bricks and build a giant USB NES controller just to see what that would be like,” but you were afraid of spending that much money, [BrownDogGadgets] has you covered. He built a giant NES controller out of LEGO. The controller is designed in LEGO Digital Designer, which lets you create a virtual model, then get a full list of parts which can be ordered online.
The electronics are based on a Teensy LC programmed to appear as a USB keyboard, and the buttons are standard push buttons. The insides are wired together with nylon conductive tape. LEGO was an appropriate choice because the Teensy and switches are built on top of LEGO compatible PCBs, so components are just snapped in place. The system is called Crazy Circuits and is a pretty neat way to turn electronics into a universal and reusable system.
If that controller is too big, they’ve also used the same circuit with some laser cut parts for your own controller. If you do want to go even bigger, take a look at [Baron von Brunk’s] LEGO NES controller, which used the electronics from a real controller.
Lego and Nintendo sue man for no apparent reason other than to grab attention again. I can see it now!.
Ha, probably not. I think they both have better things to do these days.
Also, since this sort of project is free advertising, they don’t usually care unless you’re making money off it.
“I should spend $130 on LEGO bricks and build a giant USB NES controller just to see what that would be like,”
No.
I mean the thought’s occurred to me
Or, you could get some Plexiglas or plywood (combined with appropriate paint) and do something similar for FAR cheaper.
Yeah, thats why we made a smaller laser cut version (also in the write up). Something that was hand held. We’ve been kicking the idea of doing a laser cut file for a GIANT controller as well. NES controllers are pretty simple design wise, or someone could just make a larger version of the laser cut files we put on our GitHub.
You can no longer order your LEGO models…
Design files and source code on GitHub for this project:
https://github.com/BrownDogGadgets/CrazyCircuits/tree/master/Projects/NES%20Controller
“Giant Solderless LEGO NES Controller Gives Everyone Tiny Hands”
Yeah, well you know what they say about a guy with tiny hands? :-D
Tiny gloves. :P
He becomes president?
L’egos.