Which Arduino to Buy for Making Video Game Controllers?

[@InsertControllerHere]

I'm working on more tutorials at the request of the community. Join us on the Discord server linked in the description! The next few will go in-depth on how to code. I'll still be posting project videos regularly.

[@charleslalonde7024]

The link doesn't work for Discord.

[@jacobmills7824]

@@charleslalonde7024 still doesn't. Looking forward to this resource though!

[@That_Guy11191]

@@jacobmills7824 when is the next video!? your pretty easy to follow and would love to see the next tutorial

[@zacnizib]

I still can't believe your channel hasn't exploded with subs yet, you explained everything really well to a layman like me, keep up the great work dude!

[@InsertControllerHere]

Thank you! I'm glad you're finding value in this content. I know these more engineering focused videos won't be as popular as the main projects videos, but I'm happy to provide this for those that want to learn more. Also, I've only been at this for 5 months, give it time. 😜

[@gaalxystar1873]

This is my first time using arudino leonardo it's insane and so powerful. I manage to make my own rhythm game controller using that and you can make your controller pretty with the led lights :)

[@InsertControllerHere]

That's awesome! Share pics if you have any.

[@gaalxystar1873]

@@InsertControllerHere and where can i post it?

[@InsertControllerHere]

Instagram or twitter)

[@frogfrogfrogd]

Thanks so much, I'm struggling with new disability and plan on trying a project like this. A project I'd love to see is a controller that's very optimized ie, usable with lowest user input, there's a lack of tutorials on KZbin about adaptive controllers (ig because alot of us who need them probably aren't the best at making them) I don't mean this is a stress about it way, it just might be a fun challenge to restrict movement then make a controller to accommodate that

[@zelefant1482]

Thank you for the video. I have an end of the year project due that I have to make a video game based around a unique controller, and hopefully I can find a good arduino for it.

[@InsertControllerHere]

That's an oddly specific assignment, but I'm glad you found value in the video. 😂

[@zelefant1482]

Insert Controller Here Lol yes it is, mainly because we were all assigned projects based on our interests lol. Me and my friend have to make a controller and a game for that controller, and my teacher said he has multiple arduinos of the kind you described in the video

[@InsertControllerHere]

That's awesome! Let me know if you need any help.

[@Oretal]

Thank you for this video, you did a good job at explaining stuff. I’m looking forward to the future videos!

[@InsertControllerHere]

Thank you! I know these videos won't be as popular is the main projects, but those that so find value in them mean a lot to me.

[@Oretal]

Insert Controller Here When I first saw your channel I wanted to learn how you did this kind of stuff. I’m really looking forward to the future guides!

[@InsertControllerHere]

That's great! I hope you follow along. I'm here to help any way I can.

[@Oretal]

Insert Controller Here thanks man!

[@martinmajewski]

A racing wheel project would be nice. Have to check your channel if you already made one.

[@InsertControllerHere]

Did you see my mario kart project?

[@martinmajewski]

@@InsertControllerHere Watching right now! Thanks. You have a new sub! ;-)

[@crazytestpilot1380]

My old store bought gaming wheels all use 8bit microcontrollers. I wonder if a person made a gaming wheel using 16 bit Arduino microcontroller would it offer increased precision and performance and can a Arduino based game controller take advantage of USB 3.0? Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@harisuresh2507]

Thank you this helped me ALOT!

[@InsertControllerHere]

Awesome! I'm so glad!

[@harisuresh2507]

@@InsertControllerHere I am still a beginner so I am using my Uno!

[@williamlopez8067]

Hi, great video! It could be interesting to use a trackball for example if you want to replace a joystick.

[@InsertControllerHere]

That would be awesome.

[@shaolin_tcg4727]

This fascinates me!! I just recently had a great idea for a nintendo switch controller thanks for getting my research started.

[@InsertControllerHere]

Hop on our discord server if you have questions. I'll help any way I can.

[@shaolin_tcg4727]

@@InsertControllerHere absolutely thanks a bunch!

[@vinayaknagar9297]

what difference between arduino leonardo with headers[A000057] vs arduino leonardo

[@InsertControllerHere]

Same thing.

[@crinfarr]

There's also the Arduino Esplora, which is great if you just want a basic controller. It is deprecated, though.

[@InsertControllerHere]

Wow, thanks for the suggestion! I've never seen that board before. I'm amazed how there are always new components to discover.

[@crinfarr]

@@InsertControllerHere honestly, I bought it when RadioShack was closing on a whim, but it's served me well for a few years now

[@ogam123]

You could also try an adafruit feather 32u4, M0, or other atmega32u4 and atsamd21 boards from different manufacturers

[@InsertControllerHere]

Thanks! I'll look into it!

[@jackwelch480]

Wow. Very informative

[@DualDesertEagle]

Which board would be the best base for a "controller" (which is basically my whole rig apart from the PC itself and its peripherals) that has 7 analog axes, 16 buttons and 2 POV hats? Right now I'm running everything off of the PCBs of 2 old joysticks and the games I wanna use the rig for only detect 1 of them at a time. I've even tried combining both boards into a single virtual controller using VJoy but the games won't even recognize it or prioritize the inputs of either joystick over the selected (!) VJoy device.

[@jonathandias3403]

Can you use a Leonardo to do normal UnoR3 projects?

[@InsertControllerHere]

Yes, it can do everything the Uno can plus all the USB stuff.

[@jonathandias3403]

@@InsertControllerHere Thanks! :)

[@gaalxystar1873]

I used those boards for my rhythm games it works great!

[@ZXxPoOLxXZ]

Hello, I have a proyect to build an airplane cockpit. I need to program a lot of buttons, potentiometers and levers. Which Arduino would you recommend me to have the all-encompassing capability?

[@InsertControllerHere]

Is this for a game? You'll need a leonardo and Google something called a button matrix to get all the buttons you need. If it's just a prop, use an Arduino Mega.

[@ZXxPoOLxXZ]

Yes it's for a flight sim I'll get leonardo thank you!

[@leehudson1384]

Hi, do you have any videos of controller a PS4 with an Arduino? I'd like to do it without hacking into a controller and feeding the IO in directly if possible.

[@InsertControllerHere]

I do not. You could always use a keyboard converter from Amazon. I have one linked on my website insertcontrollerhere.com

[@TheCaffeinatedCat]

I want to build a controller that’s like gloves and the individual fingers and movements are the equivalent of the buttons

[@InsertControllerHere]

That's a cool idea! Check out my website for a ton of free examples/tutorials to learn Arduino.

[@darkthunder301]

So long as you have the basic controller working, you can replace your analog and digital inputs to anything you want. You can get an analog input from your fingers, to the arduino (any program taking analog) it will be no different from using a joystick input. For digital inputs, you could still an analog input and just have a specific threshold value to be considered ON/OFF. If your running out of analog input pins, you can use a comparator to turn a analog to digital, also by comparing to a threshold value. Or you could have a physical digital input on the glove itself.

[@brianuuuSonicReborn]

I want to make a programmable auto controller for Nintendo Switch, how does the switch recognize the arduino board as a controller when you plug it in? You don't have any videos showcasing that unfortunately, I want to make sure it will work before I spend money on my little project =)

[@InsertControllerHere]

Check out my website insertcontrollerhere.com. I have a link to the adapter I use for the Switch. It's shot up a lot in price recently unfortunately. I do know that they still sell the Gen 1 version for a lot less. Otherwise there are github tutorials on how to natively use the arduino with a switch. I'm out of the country right now and can't help, but if you join our discord server, I'd love to chat more when I return. - Eric

[@brianuuuSonicReborn]

@@InsertControllerHere I'm the same person that you pinged earlier today haha

[@InsertControllerHere]

Haha

[@fakename5307]

You can use an arduino uno as an auto controller as well. Just be sure you get one with an Atmega 16u2 on it.

[@JP-dj2ro]

Good video. Maybe later you can assist with ideas on building a arduino controller for train simulator. Thank you

[@InsertControllerHere]

I like the idea.

[@osrssucs209]

you only mentioned weather or not the micro one could be pluged in directly andme recognisedas a keyboard , also im looking to make a controller with a optical mouse laser built in could you tell me what board is best for that ? thank you

[@КостаСтојановић-о8х]

I want to make a steering wheel for pc and everyone uses arduino leonardo for that. Can I use the pro micro with the 32u4?

[@InsertControllerHere]

Absolutely! I use the pro micro as well. I have all my parts listed at insertcontrollerhere.com/my-gear

[@bobthudpucker7730]

Yes. The Leonardo and Pro Micro both have the same 32u4 processor. Good luck!

[@InsertControllerHere]

I appreciate people giving advice to others. 😊

[@InsertControllerHere]

I appreciate people giving advice to others. 😊

[@notorioz810]

I need 16 buttons and 2 joysticks is this possible? On any of those boards?

[@GyrollMulliganTwine]

Hi, I was going to ask for help from you and your friends using the link for discord, but it says the invite was invalid.

[@ulfrinn8783]

cool, been thinking of making my own controller, but I am not sure what I want to do is even possible

[@InsertControllerHere]

That's great! Come join us on Discord and feel free to ask questions. I'm here to help. 😁

[@ulfrinn8783]

@@InsertControllerHere I'll check that out. Because I do have some ideas and questions.

[@ryanemery4516]

Hi, I'm completely new to this but is there a limit of how many push buttons that can added to these boards?

[@InsertControllerHere]

Potentially limitless if you use varying sizes of resistors, but if you're new, I'd easily say you could get 10-12 buttons working with very simple code.

[@Spolupyo]

Can you make a good working 6 button controller for the PC Engine??

[@petertremblay3725]

What type of switch would you recommend for a disable person that want to make left and right click foot operated?

[@InsertControllerHere]

Interesting question. I know I've seen accessibility controllers that use large some buttons and ones that use foot pedals. I would look into the Xbox One adaptive controller and see what kind of accessories are often paired with that.

[@petertremblay3725]

@@InsertControllerHere I just stumble on this and i think it should be OK : www.instructables.com/footswitch-mouse/

[@Kingsbeak]

Will you do a new video about this since more have came out since this video

[@michaelalfonso4792]

Great video! By any chance can I get some advice? I'm putting together a project with 13 toggle switches, 1 button and 20 LED'S do you have any recommendations for boards? Its for a space sim panel. Thanks !

[@chadunnering5733]

Can I fit 14 button on it? It for my hitbox arcade controller

[@InsertControllerHere]

Yes

[@chadunnering5733]

@@InsertControllerHere I mean, set 14 button on the arduink

[@InsertControllerHere]

Yes

[@chadunnering5733]

@@InsertControllerHere tq u sir

[@MrEleman]

Какую из них выбрать для геймпада с 16 кнопками+2 аналога ?

[@kezzaman]

how many analog sticks can you connect to 1 board? I want to make a controller with 4 sticks.

[@InsertControllerHere]

The micro can easily support 5. Leonardo I think can do 8.

[@kezzaman]

@@InsertControllerHere nice, thx

[@seifmustafa2004]

What about coding the atmega 328 it self to work as a controller , wouldn't that be much cheaper ?

[@InsertControllerHere]

True, coding one directly would be the cheapest. But I think the target audience for this video does not have the knowledge or equipment on how to do that. I'm focusing on beginners. Thanks for the advice!

[@seifmustafa2004]

@@InsertControllerHere well ,I'm a new subscriber and really admire the quality of your projects, keep it going man :).

[@seifmustafa2004]

Do you think you can make a tutorial on just how to interface the Atmega into a usb port ? I mean would just connecting the tx and Rx to D+,- do it ?

[@rrar.5931]

What can i use to make a bluetooth controller?

[@InsertControllerHere]

They sell Bluetooth modules for arduino for ~$8 amzn.to/34G3huq

[@robainscough]

Excellent video ... was hoping to get information on how many buttons/switches/pots/LEDs each "type" (Leonardo, Micro, Uno, Mega) can support? Do these devices show up as an HID (USB controller in Windows 10)?

[@InsertControllerHere]

Yes, they show up as HID devices on windows 10. You can find the board specifications here: www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Arduino_BoardLeonardo

[@zvizionaero]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have a Arduino nano board, it is powered by a atmel328p and a CP2102 for USB comm. Can I use it as a controller?

[@InsertControllerHere]

I believe that would work, although I've never tried it myself. What are your intentions? PC or console?

[@zvizionaero]

@@InsertControllerHere PC

[@InsertControllerHere]

You can use the Arduino Controller library on github to have it act like a USB controller for windows. The downside is that it will only work with games that support joypad controllers. Otherwise go with an arduino Leonardo or micro to emulate a mouse and keyboard.

[@naveenDEAS]

First of all I would like to thank you for providing such an informative and useful video. Really!! Actually I was planning to make a Mame arcade joystick using a keyboard encoder taken out of a usb keyboard. But using a Arduino Leonardo looks much efficient and better. I have some questions!! I am planning to make a Mame arcade encoder with 4 direction keys + around 14 other keys to play and control the settings of Mame. As you know, in arcade fighting games, we press multiple keys simultaneously ( for example, up+right+ button 1 etc), will it be possible to do so without any delays? In computer keyboards, when we press multiple keys, we have problems such as keyboard ghosting and masking. So Arduino leonardo keyboard encoder will have the same problems?

[@dylansoeffing4456]

Can making your own controller compete with major gaming brands as far as input delay and latency ? I am seriously considering building my own controller to combat the delay I receive on comp fortnite gaming. I have a 2080 super i9900k and I’m quicker than the input on my controller allows.

[@marcinpolniak]

Hi, could you make a video about programming Arduino as a Xbox one controller?

[@lynda4924]

Using Xinput?

[@cringebunny5886]

why you are not using attiny65 for game controller

[@InsertControllerHere]

I've never heard of attiny65 before. I'll check it out.

[@InsertControllerHere]

Do you mean the attiny85? I don't see anything under the 65 name.

[@cringebunny5886]

@@InsertControllerHere sorry for that , yes Digispark ATTINY85

[@InsertControllerHere]

I'll look more into it as this is the first time I've seen it. What are the advantages?

[@cringebunny5886]

@@InsertControllerHere it's so small

[@jthj2003]

Could you use the drum set from guitar hero to play smash?

[@InsertControllerHere]

That would be doable, but I already hot rid of the drums. 😬

[@nikitasonwani19]

Can you make controller with new nodemcu v3 module plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@notorioz810]

How did it go with the teensy?

[@paulgupta2454]

The invite link has expired for the discord

[@thedude5-6]

Do one for the mega2560 reflash

[@TheSinfulFreak]

Thank you for the video! Quick question, how do you hook up the arduino to the console? Did you hack the game controllers that you have and gave the arduino access to specific pins?

[@InsertControllerHere]

So I use a converter that I got off Amazon. You can find the link to the Titan two on my website insertcontrollerhere.com/my-gear. I realize it's not cheap. The Titan one is available for almost half the cost. Otherwise there are some more experimental projects available on GitHub that directly control the switch via the Arduino microcontrollers.

[@TheSinfulFreak]

@@InsertControllerHere Thank you so much for the reply! Actually, a good bit of my job requires me to work with microcontrollers, so this is very interesting to me. I'll definitely take a look!

[@underseer]

Hey, do you believe these could be compatable with XBOX?

[@BH4x0r]

i know this video is old, but genuine Uno's and Mega's (or clones which use the ATMega.. (16U2 for example) chips as USB interface) can be used as highly powerful double Arduino's infact if you flash Hoodloader on both chips using an external flasher (another Arduino as ISP) you can flash both the ATMega328/2560 and the ATMega16U2 on that board and write custom code for both, while retaining the ability to flash either through USB afterwards shame the USB chips in those cases don't have their A and D pins exposed, cuz official Uno's are both an Uno and a Leonardo in one board I have a pair of Geekcreit Mega clones which use the ATMega16U4 instead which actually has ADC's, so just imagine having all the IO of both the 16U4 and the 2560... oh well

[@crazytestpilot1380]

I'm sure my earlier comment today just exposes my complete lack of knowledge about this kind of stuff. Wouldn't be the first time i was clueless about something so feel free to say so if that's the case. I would like to know . I guess I should have just asked: Is there a way to make a game controller that has a higher level of performance/responsiveness or at least offer better resolution for the potentiometers?

[@pisselove6933]

Hello, First of all, thank you for your inspiring work, it could be very helpfull for what i'd like to do in the future. I have no knowledge about electronic or arduino, but i already have many gaming devices ideas i'd like to try. I spend 3 years deeply testing the Steam Controller and i think i know now its every flaws and what should be done to make it better. But to make it real i have to try many mix of gaming devices components and i'd like to know which arduino i should choose to gather them all. I just bought the arduino mega kit to start learning, but as i imagine my gaming devices pretty small in the end, it will be really convenient if only one smaller arduino can make them all work. I did watch your videos, and thanks to them i've already gather few important informations i needed. But i'm french and i may misunderstood few things and i didn't see yet in your channel few components i'd also like to test. Here is a first list of the controller components i'd like to experiment between them and on which i'd like to focus on : - Tactil and clickable pads/buttons but with differents size and shape - Classic buttons - Dual stage Triggers or classic triggers & LB-RB buttons - Gyroscope - Mouse movement detector( I guess its just the optical sensor) - Track ball - Analog stick - D-pad - Battery compartment Also, if you guys know some good online shop where i can buy all these components, it will be great. I've check your website and some adresses you're suggesting, but i didn't find yet few of these component. Maybe i just don't know their correct name, as an electronic component. Also, have you already suggested a starting electronic kit which could be enough to make controllers ? I'm pretty worried to start buying too many useless things to make this happen. Thank you for your time and for your videos that already encourages me a lot.

[@InsertControllerHere]

I use Amazon for all my components. Not sure how competitive Amazon prices are in France. I wrote an introductory guide if you're interested: insertcontrollerhere.com/beginners-guide

[@pisselove6933]

@@InsertControllerHere Sorry for the late answer and thank you for this guide, i will have a deep look at it. It's really an helpfull work you're doing here. Have a good day.

[@fphoenix7144]

Discord server link isnt working

[@kristenmusgjerd3757]

If your discord still active? Link doesn’t work. Amazing videos btw🙏🏼

[@Creedarn]

Hi! so stumble in here. Where can i find information on how you are using the analog joystick and how you program them? :) is it possible to program it so they are not as "rough" as i have seen so far, with like lets say drawing a circle and not a edgy round shape. XD (if you move it left it will not fly away super fast.)

[@InsertControllerHere]

Google something called the Arduino joystick library. That will allow you to emulate a generic gamepad on PC that uses analog inputs instead of digital key presses.

[@InsertControllerHere]

And if you have further questions, check out our discord in the description.

[@Creedarn]

@@InsertControllerHere wow quick answer. I will check both of them out thank you so much.

[@harisuresh2507]

I would love to join your server but I am not old enough.

[@hehganlive5]

Do you still have a discord?

[@theoncraft]

You could make an Helicopter „steering stick“…

[@tucann7]

I don’t like asking people for help, but I can’t build a custom controller for many reasons and I’m asking if you could maybe make me one and I will pay for it.

[@InsertControllerHere]

I unfortunately don't have time for commissions. You can check out my guide though. It's really easy to learn.

[@tucann7]

Okay well thank you for reading my comment and taking time to respond to it if I get the tools to make one I will thank you

[@PuckmanBG]

Insert Controller Maker in other words

[@InsertControllerHere]

True.

[@Dxmaged]

Please do a controller out of brain waves

[@InsertControllerHere]

I've got a lot to learn.

[@davidtilson1813]

Though I do understand what you were trying to convey in the statement, to say the word "knockoff" is actually both inaccurate and inappropriate when applied discusing any Arduino board because unlike the Raspberry Pi and many other similar boards which are often proprietary design, the entire point of the Arduino is itself both designed and directly meant to be an open hardware standard where and such anyone can make their own board (even including those which boards that 100% identical with same parts and design) and that is all perfectly acceptable and encouraged as the second point and purpose of the Arduino is as an educational tool. By definition, that means that all the "other brand" boards conforming to the Arduino standard and keeping compatible are exactly that, their own boards which might be the same or could even be redesigned completely with perhaps substantial upgrades. If someone were wanting to keep the cost down, you could even skip a board entirely and go get the individual components yourself building your own Arduino compatible board. That said, Arduino is the creator of the idea behind the entire coordinated standard and it is good to support them now and then buying their own boards; However, it is indeed not only cheaper but as pointed in the video to get other prebuilt Arduino boards, many of the alternative Arduino compatible boards built by others are often upgraded and improved, easily finding faster boards with better connectors all able to take the same addons as the Arduino directly produced boards

[@InsertControllerHere]

Is this a copy pasta? 😂

[@deeeeeds]

Technically they're not knockoffs. Arduino is totally open source and an open hardware spec. Those companies are just creating compatible boards following the spec.