Interfaces for Games: PunchOut

Step 6 Hack the Controller

With a game controller torn apart, solder each end of the sensor to the appropriate ground / power edges of a button. You'll see them easily because they look like forks that don't touch (i.e. one wire per fork).

Now you should have a ton of wires all over the place.

It gets messy, so the best thing to do is fold them up carefully and fasten them (electrician's tape works well).

With all the sensors connected properly you're almost ready to play.

Comments

[Xstorm]

Can we use a keyboard for this?

[Void Schism]

Hacking is not about asking what can be done, it's about doing it!
Get a keyboard and post the results :D

[Xstorm999]

So how does this work? I mean when you solder a wire to one of the joysticks button chip, then how do we like press it?

[kirton]

Hey, the joystick works by connecting a circuit... so the underside of the joystick's buttons actually created a closed circuit which triggers the button action. So, if you have 2 wires connected to the joystick, if you just touch their free ends it will trigger.

[Xstorm999]

But then, how do the buttons work? I mean they have rubber in them so i don't think rubber conducts electricity and makes a closed circuit.

[Void Schism]

When compressed, the foam in the sensors is squashed flat and the exposed surfaces of the metal are pushed together to make electrical contact. then the pressure is removed the foam will push the contacting plates apart and break the contact.

[Xstorm999]

So, when making the sensors, the 2 wires inside shouldn't be touching each other or else the key will remain pressed right?

[Void Schism]

That's right. Each wire should only be touching one of the plates, and not each other.

[Xstorm999]

wow.. this technique opens the door to lots of possibilities! Thanks for explaining this so well!