Custom Game Controller

This was a personal project exploring video game controller design. I wanted to get a better understanding of why game controllers settled on their current dual analog stick configuration.

The complete process was documented in my YouTube video covering research, clay modeling, 3D scanning, class-A surfacing and CAD modeling. I also dove into ergonomic design, electronics integration and build strategy.

The core concept of this design was to combine an analog stick for navigation with a trackball for aiming and then track performance improvements. One of the fun features I developed during the design process was the ability to access the trackball from both the front and rear of the controller. This opened up new physical control methods and allowed for access to front face buttons while still aiming.

For the electronics I used off the shelf components for both the trackball and Xbox controller wired to an external project box. This strategy let me design and build the controller in weeks instead of months.