Arcade Prototype Controller

The Arcade Prototype Controller

Intro

When the controls line up with gameplay mechanics it really amplifies the experience. For that reason, I've started to build special setups for playing different games on stream. Eventually, I would also like to build my own arcade game (cabinet and all), though that's still a little ways off.

In the meantime, this is the system I've been using for setting up various control schemes using the same materials over and over.

Base Materials

Frame

This is a 20-series-based system. Everything is designed to be attached to 20-series aluminum extrusion.

This system is designed around M4 Bolts/T-Nuts to attach mounts. M4 T-Nuts can also be used to assemble parts of the frame as there is relatively little force acting on the frame directly.

Electronics

I'm currently running the APC off of a generic “Zero-delay” arcade usb encoder board. Some games work straight off the encoder, but sometimes I need to go through the XBox 360 Controller Emulator (x360ce) to create custom key bindings.

I've found that the input wires that comes with the Encoder are extremely short and needed extending. I've also created additional hookup wires/wire harnesses from scratch using 22 gauge (you could definitely go lighter, 22 gauge is simply easier for me to use), JST-XH Connectors (2.54mm headers), and Quick Connect Terminals (the size varies depending on what you are hooking up, so make sure to measure; I happened to need 4.8mm and 6.3mm myself).

Inputs

I use both manufactured products off the web (e.g.- 3-inch Arcade Buttons) and inputs built from scratch using microswitches and momentary switches. For the prebuilt inputs I've designed 3D printed mounts to attach them to the 2020.

Assembly

I started out with a rectangular 2020 frame connected with corner brackets, but am in the middle of mounting only the top and bottom parts to a finished sheet of MDF (I just happened to get a sheet of MDF for free, otherwise the base would have been whatever I got ahold of). A network of 2020 extrusions then gets attached to the top and bottom extrusions via corner brackets and T-Nuts in order to get the controls where I want them.

Then, as said before, inputs are mounted in position using custom printed mounts and T-Nuts.

Inputs are then plugged into the Encoder and the Encoder's USB plug is connected to the computer. Some inputs require additional power (i.e.- they have additional leds): you'll need to have another power source available for these.

3D Printed Mounts and Inputs

The Collection

Corner Brackets for connecting extrusion

Mounts for 3-Inch Arcade Buttons

3D Printed Joystick

• PCB Version
• Flight/Twin Stick Attachment

Bi-Directional Rotating Controller

Digital Sliders

Additional Info

I've designed many of these things live on YouTube, and also use the controller while streaming various games.