Arduino Gaming Controller
A hands-on project where I combined electronics, coding, and 3D printing to make a custom controller.
What I Did
I created a retro-inspired gaming controller with an Arduino Uno. I looked into how the Arduino’s USB features could work for gaming, then modeled and 3D-printed a case to hold everything. Once I wired up buttons and a joystick, I wrote C++ code so it could act like a USB game controller for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What I Learned
This project gave me a solid introduction to embedded systems, soldering, and circuit design. I sharpened my C++ skills by reading button and joystick inputs and sending them to a computer. I also improved my 3D modeling abilities in Blender. Troubleshooting across different operating systems taught me how to test and fix problems step by step.
Outcome
The final controller works well with both 2D and 3D games on a PC. It has a sturdy 3D-printed case and quick response times. I spent under $50 in total, so it’s affordable, and it’s easy to modify or expand if needed.
Tools and Technologies
- Hardware: Arduino Uno, buttons, joystick modules, soldering kit, 3D printer
- Software: Arduino IDE, Blender for 3D modeling
- Programming Language: C++ for firmware
Future Improvements
Next steps could include adding Bluetooth for wireless play and refining the case shape for even better comfort. I also want to explore making it compatible with popular game consoles so it can do more.
You can check out the code here GitHub repository.