New DIY Kit Aims To Revive The “Classic GameCube Controller Feel”

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Update [Sat 21st Sep, 2024 06:00 BST]:

Well, the Kickstarter for the ‘GC Ultimate Controller Kit’ has now been “fully funded”. Creator Mitch Cairns has also provided an update, thanking everyone for their enthusiasm and support.

Here’s the “to-do list” for the rest of September:

  • Send payment for the molds immediately so they can get started on the machining process. (Eta November completion time for initial injection samples)
  • We are waiting until closer to mid-October to place the rest of our orders to determine proper ordering quantities
  • See how many stretch goals we can unlock!

A “new” add-on shortlist has also been shared:

  • Joystick Sets (If you want two left sticks instead of a C nub, this is an opportunity to grab another set)
  • Bald Button Sets (Only translucent white color, but compatible with OEM controllers. Color may vary and be transparent instead)
  • Ergo Triggers + Dual Z (Light gray color)
  • Split Dpad Set (May be transparent or translucent white color)

Screwdrivers have also been added:

“This controller is assembled with the only requirement being a T6 and a T8 screwdriver. I wanted to wait until I had solid confirmation on pricing, and I can confirm that we will be including these screwdrivers with each kit. It’s extremely cost effective to include them. These tools are rather cheap, and if you have a nicer bit set, use it. For someone doing a single controller assembly, it will do just the trick.”

Original [Tue 17th Sep, 2024 00:05 BST]:

If you are an avid user of the GameCube controller, you might want to check out this new Kickstarter by Mitch Cairns of Hand Held Legend. For the last three years, he’s been developing the ‘PROGCC line’ of competitive conversion controller kits and now he’s launched this campaign for the ‘GC Ultimate Controller Kit’.

These kits have been used by “top players” and include hall effect joysticks, split d-pad design, a swappable gateplate, mechanical and analog trigger options and HD rumble. They run on firmware codenamed ‘Hoja’ which is compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) and also includes Bluetooth support thanks to the inclusion of an ESP32 microcontroller.

This controller kit is compatible with not only the GameCube (thanks to a detachable USB Type-C to GC cable) but also NES, SNES, N64, Switch, Android and PC. It includes a configuration app to calibrate sticks and remap buttons as well. You can see the full list of features on the Kickstarter page.

This project has already passed the halfway mark, with $212,000 USD required to fully fund it. If funding goes beyond the initial goal, new colours will be unlocked between $350,000 – $550,000 including flame red, spice orange, indigo, platinum and symphonic green options.

Would you be interested in a kit like this? Let us know in the comments.