Already, a fork in the road: choosing a controller. How do you want this to feel in your hand? What might you have around already, or how much fuss to invest?
pico-infonesPlus can work with Sony DUALSHOCK 4 or Dualsense controllers (via USB cable). These are not inexpensive…but maybe you already have one on hand.
A downside to USB-based controllers with this project is that they do have a bit of lag; not ideal for fast-twitch shooters, but may suffice if RPGs and casino games are more your style.
In addition to the controller itself, you’ll need a USB OTG cable to adapt the controller’s USB-A plug to the receptacle on the microcontroller board. This controller option might be easiest with the Pico DV Demo Base, since that board has its own USB connector for power, leaving the Pico RP2040 board’s USB micro-B port free. For other boards, you’d need a USB OTG splitter cable with both a USB-A port and a second port (USB micro-B or USB-C depending on the board) for feeding power.
NES and SNES Gamepads
If you’re comfortable with a little bit of wiring and soldering, it’s possible to use original NES and Super Nintendo (and compatible) controllers, and they’re super responsive with the emulator, no perceptible lag.
To use these controllers unmodified, you’ll need to source the corresponding sockets, which can be found on eBay. Check where you’re buying from and understand parts may take a few weeks to arrive if overseas.
A different route is to forego the game port, cut the end off a controller and hard-wire it directly into the circuit. You lose the ability to ever use that controller with an actual console or other emulator in the future.
Note: although Super Nintendo controllers are supported, the emulator itself can only handle original NES games, of the non-Super variety.
This controller was an adjunct to the Nintendo Wii “Nunchuk,” but is possible to use it on its own with this breakout adapter and a bit of wiring or a STEMMA QT cable. This too is a highly responsive controller.
Support for the Wii Classic Controller is currently only enabled on the Feather RP2040 DVI, as that board has the STEMMA connector built-in. It could be enabled on other boards if building from source and an I2C-capable pair of pins are free (this may be challenging, as nearly every pin is already assigned to something).
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