Console and USB Controllers?

Arcade
1

I know there are tutorials around building an arcade box (which honestly feel confusing around “how do I actually load the raspberry pi”, but I digress).

I’m looking to build a Makecode Arcade console type of system. Something with USB controllers to control each player and output to a TV. I’ve not found much information on connecting USB controllers and when I attempt to use a controller with the in-browser simulator the game seems to constantly reload the title screen (this may be entirely my setup: 2017 Macbook Air + Gravis Gamepad Pro).

Has anyone been able to use USB style controllers to hook up to the web simulator?

The tutorials I’ve found seem to focus more on building the cabinets themselves and using custom wiring to the raspberry pi:

The instructions found on Adafruit look like they are designed for their custom controller or build-your-own controller:

There’s no mention of just using a USB style controller.

The Kiosk mode is REALLY what I’d like to see on the raspberry pi, so I think that portion is figured out as long as it’s what is used to pick games with the Adafruit setup:

Ideally I’d be using an NES style USB controller. The buttons on the Meowbit are a bit too stiff and not much fun to use for extended periods of time, the buttons on the Joy Bonnet appear to be the same, so I don’t have much faith in that controller being much nicer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

2 Likes
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I’m not 100% sure what this means, but I did use buttons that connected to my computer through USB in my arcade cabinet if that helps!

3

That’s close. Basically I want to buy an off-the-shelf usb controller and simply plug it into the raspberry pi and play.

If what you have above works, in theory this should work too. Maybe my setup on my MacBook was messed up, causing the rapid/constant reload of the game when played in the browser.

I’ll just have to try thr rpi-0 setup and see if I can plug in a controller.

1 Like
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Do you prefer plastic-feeling buttons, like those on a GameBoy?

1 Like
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Yes, the stiff buttons of the meowbit are tricky to use and feel awkward. The Gameboy, SNES, NES (basically any commercial console controller) feel is more what I’m after.

But I was able to get the retro-pi + USB controller combination to work and it’s working well.

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The A and B of the Gameboy are great! And I like the connected d-pad, it makes it easier to switch between directions. The meowbit buttons also take more force to push, but that could just be my older meowbit!