While we’ve largely settled on analog sticks and digital buttons for controlling video games, there’s all sorts of projects to create truly esoteric controllers that allow playing games in unique ways. This one from [sukolupo] lets you use data from standard bike trainers to get your virtual character moving.
Called Deck de France, it maps the data coming from one of the supported bike trainers to a virtual controller which can then be “plugged in” to a gaming console of choice, in this case a Steam Deck mounted to the trainer’s handlebars. Although a bike trainer doesn’t have the same number of inputs as a modern gaming controller, it does have enough to play games like Rocket League. As you might expect, it’s also perfect for biking titles such as the Tour de France series.
As far as unique controllers for video games go, this one is surely up in the rankings with a real trombone or a controller purpose-built for riding virtual horses. It’s also a great way for those who are getting a bit bored of riding their trainers to breathe some new life into their exercise routine. We’ve also seen some open-source alternatives for modern bike trainer software as well, which is another great way to get excited about exercise equipment too.
I know it seems like a good idea but too much cycling is actually bad for you.
RIP balls.
Well I’ve been told they have been replaced with plastic anyway, so I’m gonna risk it
not an issue with recumbent bikes, or the fairer sex.
“Fifteen Million Merits”.
In the early 2000s, Reebok sold a “Cyber Rider” exercise bike that had a PS1/PS2 controller built in. My parents got one (it was on clearance, not because it was a controller) but it didn’t come with any software so I never got to try it out.
But the only reason to have a bike game controller is to hook it up to MAME and play Prop Cycle. You need a fan too, for the full experience.