Crafting Custom USB Game Controllers with Raspberry Pi Pico Games controllers – like keyboards – are very

  personal things. What works for one person may not work for another. So why should we all use almost identical off-the-shelf controllers? In this blog, we'll explore how to use the Raspberry Pi Pico to create a custom game controller that's just right for you. Whether you're into retro gaming or want a unique input device, let's dive in!

Using Raspberry Pi Pico as a HID (Human Interface Device)

The Raspberry Pi Pico is a super flexible board! We'll leverage its capabilities to create a USB gamepad, keyboard, mouse, and more. We'll focus on the Keyboard type, which works well with the sorts of games I like to play. However, you can adapt the same technique to simulate a mouse or a gamepad.

Hardware Setup: Arcade Box and NES Controller

1. Arcade Box Setup

Our first setup aims to recreate the control setup of an arcade machine. We'll use it to play games on a laptop rather than a full-sized cabinet. Here's what you'll need:

1. Arcade Controls: You can get these from various sources. We used one of Pimoroni's Arcade Parts sets, which includes a joystick and ten buttons (we only used four of these). Make sure to choose a button-based joystick (not an analogue one) for compatibility with the keyboard interface.

2. Wooden Craft Box: Use this to mount the electronics. You can choose any sturdy container that fits your components.

3. Wiring: Connect the buttons and joystick between an I/O pin and ground. You can use any I/O pin you like.

2. NES Controller Setup

We'll create a USB adapter for an NES controller using the Raspberry Pi Pico and CircuitPython. This NES controller can function as both a gamepad and a keyboard. Here's how:

1. Wiring: Connect the NES controller to the Pico according to the schematic.

2. CircuitPython Code: Write a program in CircuitPython that reads the NES controller inputs and maps them to keyboard keys. You can use the NES controller for playing games on emulators or streaming software.

 Conclusion

Remember, the whole idea is to create a setup that's right for you. Think about how you want to interact with your games and build what suits your preferences. Whether you're into retro games or want a personalized gaming experience, the Raspberry Pi Pico offers endless possibilities. Happy gaming! 🎮🕹️