We aren’t sure what [Lazy_Duck] is doing with video games, but it must require a lot of controllers. Dismayed at the cost and complexity of commercial gamepads, they started soldering and 3D printing to get a cheaper basic controller.
The emphasis is on throwing things together, so there’s no dedicated PCB. Just a protoboard with an RP2040-Zero, a joystick, a few buttons, and a microswitch. A 3D-printed case rounds out the project.
On the printing side, the device uses heat-set threaded inserts, which should make for a very sturdy build. For software, the GP2040-CE firmware handles everything, acting like a controller and managing configuration via a web page.
Even if you don’t want a cheap gamepad, you could apply the principles and software used here to create any kind of gamepad you want. The firmware makes good use of the dual-core RP2040. It also offers a lot you could add to your version of the cheap controller, like OLED displays, RGB LEDs, and more.
Of course, you could also get fancy with the 3D printing side, too. For example, a resin printer makes nice button caps.
So it´s a … WIRED gamepad ? I mean… one can get dirt cheap BLE capable chinese MCU that do a good job like WCH´s CH591F. With many ADC 12 bits channels, it is the perfect candidate.
The firmware makes good use of the dual-core RP2040
I cannot imagine it´s ironical, so likely it’s a very twisted definition of “good”
Is that joystick on the right side, or is the image mirrored? Highly unorthodox.
there is a recess under the joystick for wires so there’s nothing to prevent the stl being mirrored to have it on the left.
i’d pass though as those tact switches are terrible.
Indeed. What’s a good elite gamer-approved tact switch? Just out of curiosity
I bought some that have a decent feel and test good on the DMM. there are many bad ones that are electrically intermittent, and creaky/ spongy. i used and would recommend cherry mx style if possible oriented at 45 degrees for a directional pad.
all the discrete alternatives to tacts are very deep. here’s what i bought on ali
2pin button Switch 12MM Reset Button Round Switch
Maybe he needs a cheap controller because he’s getting into submarine business and not video games.
Yes. The three buttons you see there are surface, dive, and Crrrriiii-sshhttick-BA-PLuumphfFFTT!
From biology to physics in under 10 miliseconds!
or has a brother, we all know those brother/guest gamepads