Retrobox: DIY Raspberry Pi All-On-One Arcade Joystick (Full Build Guide)

[@Howchoo]

Check out the full guide on howchoo for a text and photo version of this build! howchoo.com/g/zjm4zwzjzgi/pi-retrobox-build-your-own-diy-raspberry-pi-arcade-joystick

[@edwardwalsh9558]

Flame polishing the edge of the acrylic would be a nice touch, its pretty simple and looks amazing.

[@radkat7392]

Thank you so much for the info about the additional controllers at 0:36. No other "KZbinr" answered this for me, and here you are first 30 seconds with an answer. Subbed 👍

[@Howchoo]

No problem! :)

[@n0anime342]

No joke I'm building this right now

[@matthewhibner1092]

Hopefully your joystick isn't mounted crooked and your vents don't look a dog chewed on it like his. A little care goes a long way. Good luck and happy gaming Boss

[@darken3150]

Did you complete it?

[@walterbkeen]

FYI, You can clean up your edges by sanding with 220 grit sandpaper, and using a butane torch for a finished polish. Takes some practice, but the results are well worth the effort.

[@leemarson7350]

Interesting project. Love retro gaming! I have no experience with Raspberry Pi's and would love build something. I have been looking at a few videos lately on how to make a bartop arcade. Hopefully one day I will get the chance. Thank you for taking the time to make the video!

[@uneCENT]

Great video, thanks for showing us step by step and just how simple it can be to produce something so nice.

[@Howchoo]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@finnyabsley5685]

Really happy this came up in recommended just finished setting up retro pie today 🙂

[@MrWerepop]

This was the videos I was looking for !!! Thanks Man

[@Howchoo]

No problem! Enjoy

[@CCMAC0427]

Thank you. I have been wanting to build something like this for a while but was stuck on how to get an enclosure. I do wish though you showed cutting the holes for it. That's the one place I am a little worried I'm gonna mess up and have to start over.

[@Spiritual_Architect]

Thank you. You wouldn't believe how many bad videos of this kind of build i had to watch before i finally found this one.

[@MrLosttheplot]

thanks for a great video, i built my own today, worked first time.

[@Howchoo]

Awesome! Glad it worked out well for you

[@brianpdalton]

This is great. Was this done with no soldering? EDIT: Yes it was.

[@AndyMac40K]

Quarantine project

[@kevinbarton9052]

That's great, lad. That is what I want playing all MAME arcade games only.

[@MikeysLab]

Love the portable idea, I literally built this into an ikea table. One piece of advice add a laptop HD for much more storage, and a lipo for portable power haven’t played with a pi on my channel in a while, maybe time for a revisit

[@yahyalaouici9749]

greetings from Algeria bro ur channel is a treasure,u have a new subscriber

[@Howchoo]

Thanks dude! Can’t wait to bring you more

[@Masterchief0521]

my abs box finally came in, so next time I have a few days off I'm going to put it together!

[@TheEricclayton]

Awesome video! Thanks for taking the time to make it. Gonna build one in the next few days

[@Howchoo]

No problem! :) Excited to see how your build turns out!

[@Fireblazer41]

Can you show how you set up the controller on retropie? (As in what each button was mapped to)

[@AndyCinDallas]

I'm struggling with that part myself.

[@railrenegade3040]

Once you boot into the Emulation Station and choose controller setup, it will step you through programming buttons. You basically hit the corresponding button or move the controller direction according to what button you are programming.

[@jdell6250]

Your wet package on your porch came from the US Post Office (25 years with UPS). Thanks for a good guide for reference.

[@Howchoo]

Lol thanks for the insight! I believe you are correct.

[@SinX4Lyfe]

Just bought all everything on the list to make this even the band saw. Bought some extra part just in case I fail! Wish me luck, I invested in this cost me 350$ for everything... planning to make a few once I become succesful to make for the family :)

[@Howchoo]

Awesome! You’re going to have a blast. If you run into any issues, feel free to post in the guide comments section or PM me and I’ll help you out. I monitor all the comments on howchoo so I’ll see it right away. :)

[@edmund8954]

how u do

[@depopa1033]

definitely building this some day.

[@ChamberlainCody]

Definitely need more subs man I'm gonna share this stuff around

[@Minitaur89]

Cool video inspiring me to make my own Arcade joystick :D

[@davewoeckener5719]

is this the same thing for the raspberry pi4? I ask because your post is a couple years old now... and I've never built one - but this answers everything perfect except anything to do with RP4. Would a RP4 just be faster and more robust for bigger/newer games?

[@RunningCordoroy]

Your video is really easy to understand. However, I am wondering why some tutorials wire up a separate power supply for the leds? Do you know anything about this?

[@chriscase4726]

Great Video! This was my first foray into building something like this and it went very well. Except for the joystick...I'm not certain why it's not recognized by ES. Any insight? None of the buttons, nor the joystick are recognized. I can maneuver to the 'configure new input' menu, but once I'm there, no recognition of the joystick or buttons. There is power, as the LED lights are on. Any help would be appreciated.

[@feelingsatisfied]

I was wondering if you have any advice on an alternative to the raspberry pi 3b+ as they are extremely hard to find and or expensive since the pandemic. Any help would be much appreciated! Ive been wanting to build this thing for 2 years. Thanks.

[@calebcook7324]

600th subscriber ;) hope you guys grow more, great videos! keep it up

[@Howchoo]

Thanks Caleb! It means a lot. We're working on increasing video/guide frequency so we can share more with you!

[@matthewgraton7394]

Can a two player one be built like this similar to the xarcade and also is it possible to use this as a controller for a console

[@conejo013]

For the Pimoroni picade hat can I use a different board for the joystick controls?

[@evanskan6326]

I am going to make something like this with the Pi 4 (and then move on to a tabletop cabinet). Any issues with temperature inside the box? I plan to 3D print the case and need to see if a certain airflow is required.

[@chriscappello8240]

Can you include direct links to the exact parts?

[@Howchoo]

Sure! Direct links to the exact parts is here: howchoo.com/g/zjm4zwzjzgi/pi-retrobox-build-your-own-diy-raspberry-pi-arcade-joystick#parts-list

[@chriscappello8240]

Jeez I looked at that too and skipped right over it. Thanks!

[@daved.5839]

What size bit did you use for white buttons.?? THanks.

[@ezzysoto]

Thank you very much this video help me a lot I just have a question, if I configure my arcade joystick and I wanna go back to my regular control woulndt that mess my configuration? Because I did it with a PlayStation controller and a few days later all the commands were out of order (ex: start move to L2, select to X etc) so now in afraid that if I map my arcade joystick everything's goes out of order, thanks for your help

[@asheryunan]

I wonder if they make io shields for the raspberry pi 3 that you could use around the ports

[@chrisgibson1592]

Would it be possible to add Bluetooth to this so there’s no need for long cables?

[@TennisDK-hy7hr]

Love your video. Do you sell one? I never have the time or skill to build one :(

[@ELO_Dude]

Nice Vid. I converted a Qanba stick with a built-in Pi and external card slot. I would love to know how the power switch and status light are connected to the Pi. I tried one way I saw online and it didn't work. Any chance you can give me the heads up?

[@ericjedgar]

Would you ever make a magic mirror + retrofit project. Magic mirror by day. Game system at night..

[@JuneLake158]

Ahahahahaha, I’m building this, great vid. Shout out to Patrick. He lost. lol, I don’t know why that made me laugh.

[@Greyswyndir]

Excellent video! Thanks for taking the time to show us how relatively easy it is to make this wonderful little box! It looks sweet! One question about the joystick: I imagine it's an eight-way, so you can play games like Pacman and games like Robotron? How does the eight-way effect Pacman, which originally used a four-way joystick? Does the eight-way joystick still work well with Pac-man, or do you sacrifice a little precision for variety/the ability to play many different games? Thanks again, great job!

[@Howchoo]

So the precision is really controlled in the emulation software; I don't think that this (or anything) can ever be a substitute for the original arcade hardware, but I've played a lot of Pacman and this is about as on-point as you can get from home :)

[@Greyswyndir]

Good to know. I'm going with the Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT-SK as it's an excellent stick, but I'm sure the one you used was/is perfectly exceptable. The "feel" comes from the joystick's gate (square or octagonal), though I get what you're saying about the emulation itself, very true. Sanwa made a lot of the original hardware we grew up using.

[@ThysiosX]

How hard would it be to make the controller wireless?

[@LAvocat]

Nice video, and your voice is amazing, thanks for the tutorial !

[@Howchoo]

Why thank you! :)

[@sheriffmenty9968]

Can this be used to play mortal kombat with the 6 buttons?

[@gunnarstableford3501]

I love the video. My only issue is that I do not know how to program the buttons or joystick... can someone help me? I'm still pretty new to raspberry pi and python. I'm trying to make my own arcade game

[@alejandrozamora3468]

This is amazing! By any chance, have you tried using the arcade version of Pac-Man, like from those Plug and Play consoles?

[@sabinshrestha4802]

How did you cut the hole? Can you make a tutorial or say which tool you use to cut the hole?

[@daved.5839]

Use a 1 1/4 Whole saw circular blade.

[@MrDonescobu]

Dave D. He measured the green button at "about an inch"... The joystick how was also smaller than the button holes... Then he mentioned the white buttons were a bit smaller than the regular buttons.. I'm confused if the guide only says 1-1/4" as a size.. So how would that size be universal for all holes? Wouldn't they fall thro?

[@MrDonescobu]

Dave D. He measured the green button at "about an inch"... The joystick how was also smaller than the button holes... Then he mentioned the white buttons were a bit smaller than the regular buttons.. I'm confused if the guide only says 1-1/4" as a size.. So how would that size be universal for all holes? Wouldn't they fall thro?

[@railrenegade3040]

If you can hold the drill steady enough, or use a drill press. I found a step bit in a pilot hole on slow speed worked better through the acrylic and the cover.

[@massv953]

Why not make the board comfortable/bigger though? Your joystick is too close to the buttons and there is no real estate there for palm rest, thats going to make extended fighter game play really uncomfortable. Control boxes are bigger for a reason.

[@Howchoo]

You can definitely make it bigger if you'd like -- same guide/process, just use a different project enclosure ;) I opted for this size because it's more portable and compact. It shares the same button layout/spacing as the Pimoroni PiCade, if you're familiar with that.

[@Agamemnon2]

Yeah, a bigger box would be more ergonomical. Plus you could add things like an amplifier and speakers in the extra internal space. Or just a stash for some candy.

[@megido878]

It's free real estate

[@Exodusprime]

I am not mechanically inclined enough to build anything, but I love your design. Have you ever considered making these and selling them already assembled because I am very interested in obtaining one of these for my son.

[@Howchoo]

I've definitely considered selling either a kit or a completed unit -- comments like yours will help in deciding whether or not to do it. Thanks for your feedback :)

[@Exodusprime]

Well if you do decide to please leave me a message, again your work is incredible.

[@Howchoo]

@@Exodusprime I definitely will! And thanks a bunch :)

[@joostbeukens312]

and the case you use is that a specific case or is it just a random plastic box??

[@Howchoo]

You can use other housings if you want but I used a specific one-the link is in the full guide in the video description :)

[@AlphaOmegaKnight77658]

Can the box be made out of cardboard? Or can you build a box straight out of plexiglass?

[@Howchoo]

I don’t see why not. However, you might crush the cardboard while playing! You could also use a plastic storage bin I suppose.

[@joes9545]

This is awesome. Would you be willing to build and wire the hardware for sale?

[@joostbeukens312]

hi ilike the video but in the beginining you said that it can be a second controller but is that possible with two of those things?? bc mij brother and i love to play those games and like to build a arcade things( i never know how you call it but ok) so my question is when i plugged my controller in on a monitor can my brother put his controller in the same monitor and play with me or do we need to run retropie or another emulator on a old pc ?? P.S. sorry for my grammar my english isn't good enough i hope you know what i am asking you,

[@Howchoo]

So what you’d do is build two of these but only put a Raspberry Pi computer into one of them-then the one without the Pi becomes a normal USB controller that you can plug into the main one, giving you a second player. You can also connect normal controllers to it.

[@joostbeukens312]

@@Howchoo thnx

[@Xdatetools]

What would you have to do to have a back lite arcade box? How many LEDs would you need and where would you wire them into the Raspberry Pi?

[@Howchoo]

I don't understand -- which part do you want to backlight?

[@tango636]

Still a little bit confused about why are you putting a heat sink on the Ethernet Controller chip instead of the GPU chip underneath the board ? All in all a great project video. Keep it up.

[@Howchoo]

Glad you enjoyed it! The ethernet chip is actually one of the hottest parts of the Pi chipset -- check out this heat map: raspberrypi.stackexchange.com/questions/22928/does-the-raspberry-pi-need-a-cooling-system

[@tango636]

Great info there man! Didn't know it could get that hot.

[@jackofalltradesllc2116]

was the pie preprogrammed when u ordered it?

[@BannedFromJordo]

A pi is always pre programmed. All you have to do is install the os.

[@kevbou911]

quick question: can we build two of these (like 2 controllers) and plug it onto one raspberry pi? I mean, build one controller with the pi inside the box (as you did) and one controller with juste the buttons and a USB port to plug it in the "main controller"?

[@Howchoo]

kevbou911 absolutely! Just build one without a Pi and plug its USB cable into the other Retrobox

[@Annie-dx4bv]

This is probably a stupid question but where do you get the games?

[@josephstiso2]

wouldnt the arcade buttons be lit if the pi is on?

[@GTor1226]

Probably a stupid question, but can you use this as a controller even installed with Pi? I.E. can you use this as a fight stick with an xbox one maybe?

[@rasteryx123]

Where can I find smaller controllers? more or less than 15 mm,the panel 51x173 mm

[@MikaelGuggenheim]

Would it be possible to make two of these, but only have the Rasberry in one and be able to connect the other one to the first one by just a connector of some sort? I like the size of it, but many games for the arcade are more fun when your two players ^^

[@Howchoo]

Mikael Guggenheim Definitely! Just put a Pi in only one of them, and then connect its USB cable to the one that has the Pi in it. You only need one Pi, and this gives you two controllers. :)

[@MikaelGuggenheim]

It would work like that? Awesome! :D

[@Masterchief0521]

You could even use one of those USB extension cables, make a port on the side and keep it super tidy

[@jeremycline9542]

Do they sell bigger plastic enclosures?

[@Howchoo]

Yeah they do -- the same company. Here's a link to the box I used: howchoo.com/resource/material/mtfkmdg1mtr -- Search the manufacturer name "Hammond" to find their other project box sizes.

[@kunalgupta938]

Can I connect this in led ??

[@PitoCee19]

DO YOU HAVE TO DOWNLOAD THE GAMES ON IT, OR ARE THEY BUILT IN RASPBERRY PIE ? AND IF SO,HOW AND FROM WHERE?

[@CorpLvlNinja]

I know I'm late to the game but will this work with the Pi 2B? From comparing the 2B with the 3, I think it should though the emulation won't be as good.

[@Howchoo]

Not late at all! The Pi 2B will absolutely work.

[@yasefbey5695]

Can i use it for controlling my robot ? its raspberry pi too

[@omarjeanpierreolazabalprad5879]

Hola... Tu teclado solo funciona para Retropie??? Se puede conectar a pvc?

[@Howchoo]

También puedes conectarte a una PC usando USB :)

[@EcksGamer]

Can you link for the stand off's/screws kit that you showed.

[@Howchoo]

Surely, added to the parts list here: Sure thing! Added to the parts list in the guide: howchoo.com/g/zjm4zwzjzgi/pi-retrobox-build-your-own-diy-raspberry-pi-arcade-joystick#parts-list

[@EcksGamer]

Oh ya what size screws did you use as well?

[@Ankitdeshwal007]

Does it support android tablet via otg

[@lkreviews3162]

I built this for Retropie to play NES games - specifically PacMan and Frogger. I setup the joystick and buttons fine in EmulationStation, but they joystick will not work with the NES games. Any ideas? I need a joystick for PacMan, the d-pad controllers are useless for that game.

[@irencsak]

If a second one was built per the cheaper route, pi zero build, could it simply be hooked up to the first through the usb port to provide 2 player functionality for the games on the pi 3 build?

[@irencsak]

Watched through again, saw my answer, sorry Great looking build though, thanks for sharing

[@Howchoo]

No problem! If you want to use it just as a controller, you don't need a Pi at all. ;)

[@DaMoneyFan]

I did the same case and used your plans. ...I took of the 6 buttons on top and moved 2 of them on top as shoulder buttons...so i have 4 on top and the other 2 on the top side as my shoulder buttons for games like street fighter and mario kart. works great. Was not sure why you had placed all 6 on the top ....thanks

[@ivanb4681]

David D. Your setup is dumb lol unless your playing pinball

[@Vintiqueture]

Like SF??? This is a normal arcade button layout, which SF started.

[@detrw97]

Hey this is awesome! I started today for my son's 7th birthday, which is today. The template for the holes is different then what you are using. Does that matter?

[@Howchoo]

Hey there! This is the template I used: github.com/Howchoo/random-bits/raw/master/retrobox/retrobox-template.pdf

[@TheGrebull]

Can you use this with a game made with pygame? assuming that it has been programmed to use the joystick module and buttons without using RetroPie? Thankyou!

[@Howchoo]

Yep, this is essentially a USB gamepad containing a Pi - so you can use it with whatever. Even Windows

[@SinX4Lyfe]

Can you pls link the band saw thing?... Im trying to do this without the knife

[@Howchoo]

SinX4Lyfe This isn’t the exact one I have (I have a Ryobi), but this is the same style: www.amazon.com/WEN-3959-2-5-Amp-9-Inch-Benchtop/dp/B077QMBTLP/?tag=howchoo-20

[@markg4937]

Could you build two an link/usb them together for 2 players?

[@Howchoo]

Oh yeah, absolutely!

[@markg4937]

@@Howchoo thanks for the reply! just order the parts 👍👍

[@christopherbragg6643]

@@Howchoo Hey HowChoo, hope you're well - blowing the digital dust off this comment sorry but just wondering how this would work - would you literally build the exact same thing twice and via USB linking would just bind them together for 2-Player games? - Thank you!

[@alankoza1917]

Can i use this setup WITHOUT the pi . Just connect usb end to a computer

[@Howchoo]

Absolutely. This is basically a USB controller with a Pi inside of it. Leave the Pi out and you can connect it directly to your computer (or any other device that accepts USB controllers).

[@HowDoesOneMeme]

Nice video! Are you ever planning to put out a 3D printable case for the little guy? It would help SO much, as it speeds up the process for me.

[@Howchoo]

Thanks! We weren't planning on it, but someone may have modeled something similar on Thingiverse -- let us know if you find a good one and we can add it to the guide!

[@massv953]

Why would you 3d print something that is essentially a box when you will get much clearer results with basic tools?

[@MunkeyGG]

would this work as a sort of controller to plug into a pc via usb

[@Howchoo]

Yeah definitely. Just plug the USB cable into your PC instead of the internal Pi.

[@chuyinformatic]

todo me bien solo algunos detalles que se pueden mejorar una de ellas seria los cortes de la caja que se hacen para la Raspberry Pi , en el mercado hay cables reforzados usb cotos que se pueden conectar a la Raspberry Pi y a si evitar que los cables usb que salen de la caja se vean

[@safarinuggets9388]

can you use 2 retroboxes using usb to play retropie?

[@Howchoo]

Absolutely. You can just put a Pi in one and then connect the other to it. :)

[@spycory1]

Is possible buy this? 😃

[@Howchoo]

Not currently, but we're thinking about making a kit if we can get enough interest!

[@Yohananzo]

Yes Please :D

[@Sonny377]

you should add powered by hdmi

[@levi6241]

its illegal to sell a raspberry pi without a licences i think

[@isaacixtupe8983]

I've notice that the Raspberry Pi shows the image on wide screen. Is there a way to change that setting?

[@depopa1033]

the joystick is slightly turned, doesn't that equal to unbalanced controls?

[@Howchoo]

It would have to be really turned for that to be an issue ;) the joystick uses multiple limit switches

[@toad2394]

can you make a link to the stand - offs?

[@Howchoo]

Sure thing! Added to the parts list in the guide: howchoo.com/g/zjm4zwzjzgi/pi-retrobox-build-your-own-diy-raspberry-pi-arcade-joystick#parts-list

[@josec.6394]

So you need a raspberry for the emulator and one raspberry for every controller, right?

[@Howchoo]

I'm not sure what you mean-you only need one computer (the Raspberry Pi itself). If you build one RetroBox, it should house the Raspberry Pi-if you build additional ones, they don't need a Raspberry Pi since they're basically USB controllers. So multiples can plug directly into the one Pi. Does that make sense?

[@KingofStreet3]

So can I play all the metal slug games on Rasp pi 3?

[@Howchoo]

Probably not the latest ones ;) But once RetroPie is released for the Raspberry Pi 4, the 4 can definitely handle them all.

[@FishcatGames]

how much would you estimate you have invested in this including the raspberry pi?

[@Greyswyndir]

He said how much in the video, roughly $90 dollars.

[@yungseed80r]

this sucks. after installing on windows i get no signal in hdmi. tried to reformat and install on mac using apple pi-bake and it takes for ever to write the software. still once done no signal on my hdmi monitor. cables are fine because i can plug my apple tv right up and it displays saw the video about removing the comments in the config file for hdmi to work, howver i cnat even look into the sd card after writing the retro pie image.keeps telling this drive is not able to be read on this computer and would i like to format it? I just formatted it, and wrote the retro pi to it, whats going on?

[@Labyrnthdom]

Pretty damn cool. I'm going to use a couple pcb encoders for big 2 player box. Already have the RBP 3B up and running using a ps4 controller to test the Arcade, Nes, Snes & Sega Gen emulations. Don't really care to have it connect to another system. Going to build a full size arcade cabinet also. With a pc to run launchbox and research. So basically looking at about $100 right from the start for a couple 2 player button and stick kits lol.

[@aaronspacee]

Yeah, don’t yank out the cable in retropie, I thought a theme install was done (it wasn’t) and I pulled the cord out, after plugging it back in, my theme was gone, the thing worked fine, still played games, but the theme was gone and it was all just a white screen with black text and basic animations, an update fixed it but don’t yank cables

[@patokelley]

Dude you should sell these... completed. I bet they sell $200+

[@nah1381]

how do you configure you buttons and joystick to the corisponding actions in game

[@Howchoo]

You’ll be prompted to map the buttons when RetroPie starts up. You can also change the button mappings per-game if you’d like (check the RetroPie wiki)

[@ianthomson5255]

:( no gamepad connected.. what am I doing wrong.. I have already hooked up other controls both problem on retropie.. but made DIY joystick and buttons.. pie not recognizing it though pls help

[@Howchoo]

Can you double-check all your connections? Most likely, one is wrong (causing a short)

[@ianthomson5255]

@@Howchoo hey, thanks for the reply my buttons not the same as yours and didnt come with instructions. I dont have lights, it says raspbery compatible and plug and play, but windows also doesnt recognise it.. even when only one button is attached. The green plate where you plug things into has 2 red plugs that say 5v.. i see now from your video that these are for the lights, I didnt have instructions so assumed they were for the 2 smaller buttons.. could this have broken it somehow? when these are plugged in and i click them the red light goes on and off and on the pie screen a thunderbolt appears. This is the only reaction i could get out of the thing so far. i think i may have to buy a different control set. not sure where the prob is .. maybe i bought a dud. Love your video though def gonna build this.

[@Howchoo]

Oh yeah, so it sounds like they aren’t wired correctly and when you press a button the circuit shorts out. So without instructions or labels it will be difficult, but you can try to make sure the wires are connected consistently. It’s unlikely but possible that connecting them wrong would damage the buttons (if they had LEDs, you could easily damage the LEDs by connecting it wrong, however). If you can’t get it working by trying a different wiring setup, I would just buy a new kit. Yours might be defective out of the box! It happens. One other thing-how many amps is your power supply? Make sure it’s at least 3A for the Raspberry Pi 4 or 2.5A for all others or else you might see that undervoltage lightning bolt even after you fix the button issue. :)

[@ianthomson5255]

@@Howchoo must have been a faulty encoder. ebay supplier gave most of my cash back and said i could keep it saves post for them.. I bought another encoder plugged the buttons in and im playing bommerman haha shot for the tips and the amazing video keep them comming

[@potatopear8739]

Where is the file for the housing???????????? Please answer I need this fast.

[@brettniquinn6121]

awesome!

[@MobilePcTek]

Where did you get the premade wires?

[@Howchoo]

The link to the parts is in the video description :)

[@sprodigy3]

My Pi always gives me the lightning bolt meaning it is underpowered when i try to use this as a gamepad and configure it. I have nothing else plugged into my Pi. Any idea? I'm using the Cannakit 2.5v power supply that came with it

[@Howchoo]

That’s super weird! It’s possible the power supply is bad - do you have another 2A+ one you can try? Maybe from an iPad or Amazon Echo or something (just read the output amperage on the back of the USB AC adapter)

[@sprodigy3]

@@Howchoo I figured it out, ended up having the red and yellow wires in the opposite spots. It lit up, dim (I thought this was correct), but whenever I pressed a button, it caused the whole joystick to short. Replacing these connections on every button made my Pi work correctly and I was able to map the buttons :) Thanks for this sweet tutorial btw!!

[@Howchoo]

@@sprodigy3 No problem! Glad you got it working :)