Tag Archives: gamecube

DIYer turns tiny GameCube keychain into a fully-functional controller

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Controllers come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the gamers’ needs, and most importantly, their holding comfort. Things get really interesting as a lot of big tech companies invest a lot of effort in designing a one-size-fits-all controller, which holds good for long gaming sessions. While most controllers are more or less the same size, there’s always that element of curiosity for accessories that are radically different from the standard proportions.

YouTuber Crux, who’s known for interesting creations with an infusion of gaming, has crafted a mini controller out of pure curiosity. Having got the Backpack Buddies GameCube controller keychain, he asked himself the question – can this be turned into a functional controller? That led to this interesting DIY project that is as intricate as things can get, since the maker is dealing with the super small size of things.

Designer: Crux

We all have keyrings in some form or another, and these cute little accessories evoke the feeling – what if these were functional? The DIYer addresses this curiosity with the functional GameCube controller keychain that looks extremely satisfying as it takes shape. Since he was dealing with very small proportions here, the rotary motor tool does the trick of shaving off the extra bit on the inside of the keychain controller to make space for all the electronics. To put together the intricate joysticks, D-Pad, and other buttons, the DIYer goes down the 3D printing lane. Of course, the button controls and the joysticks had to be mounted on a sturdy base on the inside; that’s why Crux goes for the surface-mount tactile switches.

The DIY progresses with splitting the two controller halves and making up the necessary space to fit the electronics. The ultra-thin enameled wires connect the different components to the Waveshare RP2040-Zero microcontroller board, which is programmed with firmware that makes the cute little keychain gamepad act like a native GameCube controller. The final step involved salvaging the wire and plug from the real controller and attaching it to the output ports. Once everything is in place, it’s time to connect the controller to the port and enjoy some gaming. He demonstrates a session of Fortnite and then moves to Mario Kart Wii. All the inputs work as intended, and you just wish this thing were available to grab right away.

If you manage to check out the complete video till the end, Brux hints at more keychain projects in the future. These include the SNES controller, N64 controller, and 3DS controller, which are absolutely cool. Somehow, if he can manage a wireless keychain controller DIY, that would be sublime.

The post DIYer turns tiny GameCube keychain into a fully-functional controller first appeared on Yanko Design.

8BitDo’s Mod Kit turns wired NGC controller into wireless one with Hall Effect joysticks

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If you wish to again play games on your Nintendo console with the GameCube controller that has damaged wires and bad instances of drifting analog sticks, then this accessory arrives as a blessing in disguise. 8BitDo has introduced a mod kit that lets you upgrade your GameCube controller to a wireless gamepad, so that you’re not impulsively tempted into buying a new one.

This is not the first time 8BitDo has introduced a mod kit for the Nintendo controllers including the N64 and earlier ones, so this comes as no surprise. The trick here is that you’ll have to replace the existing PCB of the NGC controller with a drop-in board. The Chinese tech company is taking pre-orders for this useful gaming accessory that’ll make you go wireless if you hate the wire clutter on your Nintendo ecosystem. Called the NGC Mod Kit, this one is slated to ship on 25th September.

Designer: 8BitDo

You’ll need to have basic soldering knowledge and loads of patience to make the changeover. Remember, controllers are not that easy to put together when opened up. Although not as tedious as putting together something like a DualSense. Of course, there are certified adapters on the market (including 8BitDo GBros and Nintendo’s official adapter) that allow you to use the wired GameCube controller with the Switch but this mod kit cuts out the extra and brings straightforward wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

Along with making your gamepad wireless, there are other add-ons as well. It has Hall effect joysticks for improved lifespan and immunity against sensitive vibrations if you love to play your FPS games hard. The accessory adds a 300mAh USB-C rechargeable battery with 6 hours of playtime for gaming without interruptions. It also adds a new set of triggers to the controller, so basically, you’ll have a virtually new gaming controller to play around with.

8BitDo Mod Kit priced at $26 is worth the spend if you have a Nintendo GameCube controller with chewed-down wires and defunct joystick controls. The only catch is, that you’ll have to slash out another $26 for the Tetro Receiver for GNC to connect to the GameCube. So, spending $52 on a wire-free setup for your existing NGC controller makes logical sense.

The post 8BitDo’s Mod Kit turns wired NGC controller into wireless one with Hall Effect joysticks first appeared on Yanko Design.