# Console and USB Controllers?
**URL:** https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807
**Category:** Arcade
**Created:** [July 24, 2024, 4:11am UTC](https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807 "2024-07-24T04:11:20Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Kikketer](https://forum.makecode.com/u/Kikketer)
#### Post date: [July 24, 2024, 4:11am UTC](https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807/1 "2024-07-24T04:11:20Z")
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:
> **[Raspberry Pi](https://arcade.makecode.com/hardware/raspberry-pi)**
>
> Build full size MakeCode Arcade cabinets and kiosks using a Raspberry Pi Zero.
The instructions found on Adafruit look like they are designed for their custom controller or build-your-own controller:
> **[MakeCode Arcade with Raspberry Pi Zero](https://learn.adafruit.com/makecode-arcade-with-raspberry-pi-zero/firmware#firmware-3-1)**
>
> This guide explains how to install SD card image to run your MakeCode Arcade games on Pi Zero using either the small Joy Bonnet or a big arcade controls.
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:
> **[MakeCode Arcade Kiosk](https://arcade.makecode.com/--kiosk)**
>
> MakeCode Arcade Kiosk mode. Showcase games made on Microsoft MakeCode Arcade in a carousel list.
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
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### Author:  [@randomuser](https://forum.makecode.com/u/randomuser)
#### Post date: [July 24, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807/2 "2024-07-24T17:46:52Z")
I’m not 100% sure what this means, but I did use buttons that connected to my computer through USB in [my arcade cabinet](https://forum.makecode.com/t/making-an-retro-arcade-cabinet/25795/3) if that helps!
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### Author:  [@Kikketer](https://forum.makecode.com/u/Kikketer)
#### Post date: [July 24, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807/3 "2024-07-24T18:38:25Z")
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.
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### Author:  [@hogan](https://forum.makecode.com/u/hogan)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2024, 5:49pm UTC](https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807/4 "2024-10-10T17:49:31Z")
Do you prefer plastic-feeling buttons, like those on a GameBoy?
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### Author:  [@Kikketer](https://forum.makecode.com/u/Kikketer)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2024, 8:58pm UTC](https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807/5 "2024-10-10T20:58:59Z")
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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### Author:  [@randomuser](https://forum.makecode.com/u/randomuser)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2024, 9:16pm UTC](https://forum.makecode.com/t/console-and-usb-controllers/29807/6 "2024-10-10T21:16:28Z")
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!