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Make a USB NES Controller

Make a USB NES Controller
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This tutorial combines an original NES controller, USB keyboard, wire and tact switches into a USB NES controller suitable for use with NES and arcade emulators. The basic idea is that the keyboards controller unit is installed in the NES controller housing. The original buttons activate tact switches that are wired to the keyboard controller. When the NES controllers buttons are activated, they're registered by your computer as a key press. If you're comfortable with a soldering iron and don't mind working in small spaces, you should be able to make a USB NES controller with cheap and readily available parts. I would recommend reading the whole tutorial before starting as understanding the whole process will be of great benefit for completing each step.

I found a janky old NES controller that had seen better days in my cupboard. Considering its poor condition, I wanted to sacrifice it for a retro gaming project. I ended up combining it with an old PS2 keyboard as a frankenstein style prototype for this instructable. I was then confident enough to pick up a cheap usb keyboard and sacrifice a controller in decent condition. The benefit of using a keyboard as the brains of the controller is that it wont require drivers and will be compatible with most operating systems. Plus, it's a cheap way to convert an old piece of gaming kit into something you'll get some use out of.
 
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Step 1Things You Need

Things You Need
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Parts list:
- 1x Nintendo NES controller
- 1x USB Keyboard*
- 8x Tact switches
- Hookup wire. preferably coloured to make life easier when soldering.

* Keyboard controller contained within needs to be small in size. Older keyboards tend to use controllers too large for this project. If unsure what this means, see next step.

Tools:
- Soldering equipment
- Dremel (rotary tool) with cutting bit
- Drill
- Small files
- Hot glue gun
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11 comments
Apr 22, 2012. 9:29 AMralphulous says:
can you elaborate more on the ghosting? why would you use a single contact for two stitches? i don't quite understand.

thanks in advance!
Feb 5, 2012. 8:22 PMXeriel says:
So, correct me if I'm wrong, but the original controller board isn't involved with any of the circuitry? You just use it to maintain proper placement for the buttons, and the tac switches are the only things wired?

I've been looking for some ideas to include a USB hub inside, and if I understand you right, this should let me free up way more space for extra hardware. Definitely a tweak to consider.

Great guide!
Dec 10, 2011. 1:30 PMnani0san says:
I was wondering do you have to use the tact switches or can you not just connect the wires directly to the circuit board?

but thanks a lot for the instruction i read some other tutorials for the keyboard controller configuration but yours is the easiest to do yet =3
Nov 2, 2011. 6:31 AMskuishingbugs says:
i was wanting to do a project where i could play emulated games with an origional controller instead of a keyboard, or a specific emulating controller, and i didnt want to spend all the money on buying and arduino board, and i didnt want the lag time that wouldve gone with it. anyway, im almost done with my keyboard nes controller, and it works! thanks for your instructable!
Aug 21, 2011. 9:46 AMAle Cylon says:
Wow is a great idea, I wish I still have NES controllers around, I still have a SNES controller in my spare part cabinet, can you make the same guide but for a USB SNES controller, not so retro but will have at least 4 more buttons that will be nice for PC games.
Aug 17, 2011. 8:40 AMmikeasaurus says:
looks great, the perfect addition when running emulators!

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Author:x2Jiggy(x2Jiggy.com)
A tech and gadget enthusiast who enjoys building and creating DIY projects. Check out my projects and tutorials on Instructables and x2Jiggy.com!