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.
[source kickstarter.com]
Comments 34
Well it looks like it has a select button, and that alone puts this on a higher level than the OG controller.
I love Hand Held Legend because of this and my favorite mods are Gameboys. 😄
I wonder how this compares to the Nyxi Warrior controller.
$200 for a controller?
No thanks!
I kinda like the convex stick of the original. Not a big fan of that style of stick.
The “classic GC controller feel” involved massive analog drifting issues. Hope this controller can replicate that
@DrewBA77 According to the controller modders that tested it, much, much better.
The Nyxi Warrior feels really cheap and doesn't feel quite right.
This controller at the very least was tested by people who know the Gamecube controller quite well.
Gotta love that Wavebird
Nice, but somehow they’ve made it ugly?
I sense a cease and desist incoming
@Axecon There are multiple GameCube like controllers, even without Nintendo's license.. So I don't think so. Also it's not an exact copy.
Doubt I'd ever get it considering its price and it being a DIY kit but still, pretty cool!
Split d-pad? The GC d-pad needed improvement but I can't see how that improves things.
@Savage_Joe Really? None of my GC controllers have any issues after 20 years. I'd never even heard of drift until the Switch.
@SirPrimalform all of my original GC controllers drifted. Every time I turned on the console, I had to rotate the stick for a few seconds for it to recalibrate. It was mighty frustrating
The controller looks oddly naked without the Gamecube logo on top
@Savage_Joe perhaps the sticks were actually damaged, like Mario Party on N64 damaged?
Joy Con sticks drift right out of the box brand new, I've never seen anything else like them in my life.
@N00BiSH General idea is that it is open source, so it can be updated for future systems
@Skunkfish if you are talking about the gate thing, it's for functionality. You can remove the two screws to change the gate. So you can go circle gate for modern games, or octagonal for classic consoles.
@JohnnyMind just to give context: Difficulty level is easier than an OG Gamecube controller. I took appart GCCs with no experience, so it shouldn't be very hard, IMO.
If they end up offering a $50-ish budget option, I'd be such a happy camper.
@Maxime While I still doubt I'll get it myself it's good to hear, thanks for telling me!
@N64-ROX It doesn’t make sense that all of my controllers came damaged, even on my second gamecube and Wii. They went heavily upwards or sideways and had to rotate thanks to an online forum where I saw that fix
@JohnnyMind Sure! No problem!
@Savage_Joe have never one experienced drift with my original 2 wired and 2 wavebird controllers since launch day, nor heard anyone ever experience drift with a GC controller. Actually never known any issues whatsoever tbh.
@Username64 It was pretty common back in the day. Perhaps it happened more on US controllers. Heck, even on a related article from this past Saturday people were talking about their GC controllers drifting.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/09/upgrade-your-gamecube-controller-with-this-new-wireless-and-driftless-kit-from-8bitdo
Nintendo's actual GameCube controller and adapter seem to work well.
I still prefer PS2 controller design than the GameCube controller design in term of using them for playing DDR games on console.
@blecch You can also use this kit from 8bitdo to make your own controller wireless:
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/09/upgrade-your-gamecube-controller-with-this-new-wireless-and-driftless-kit-from-8bitdo
I think they didn't mention if they have the click on the analog L and R buttons.
Those are supper important, games like Rogue Leader are impossible to play without having the half way click of the shoulder buttons.
@N00BiSH Yeah but kinda useless since no GameCube games support the Select button. It's only there to get in the way.
I just don't get the love for the GCN controller. It was cool and unique during it's time, but even if you were to replace it's garbage micro-sized stiff D-pad with a regular larger sized one, it's still in an unusable position. Never cared for the chunky analogue-based L2 & R2 Triggers either. Dreamcast did it better.
I do love the weird bean shaped button lay out and large A button though. Props to Nintendo for trying something different. But for that generation, I liked the Dreamcast Controller(+ VMU) a lot better. Meanwhile, the PS2 DualShock was bland, and nothing but a regurgitation of the PS1 DS, with the same old loosey goosey garbage analog sticks.
@Serpenterror well given a lot of people like using the controller for modern games(for some reason), the inclusion of a select button makes sense in that regard.
I'm guessing this is compatible with Wii?
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