Arcade Joystick

This is my build of a 3D printed and painted, 6 Button Arcade Joystick for retro gaming. Pretty easy to assemble, no soldering required. Painting is optional - but makes for a better finish 👌

USB Joystick kit - Get one where the wires are socketed, not spade connectors. (The picture is showing a dual set - you only need 1).

3D Printer and Filament - You'll need a bed print size that is 240mm

Primer Filler

Spray Paint

Sandpaper

4x M2 8mm Screws

4x M2.5 8mm Nuts and Bolts

4x M5 Countersunk Nuts and Bolts

Small Rubber Feet

Optional Stickers

Print the Top Cover - I printed with 15% infill, with brim and supports. You'll need to sand this to get a smooth curve on the wrist rest, even if you are not going to paint it.

Print the base, no supports needed.

I used a 180 paper first to give a rough finish, then used 80 paper to smooth the print off.

For priming, you'll need a well ventilated or outside area, I would also recommend using a face mask.

There are some good guides on the internet or YouTube for painting 3D Prints - this was my first attempt too, and it didnt come out too bad 😊

Once the primer is dry, sand again to smooth out any rough areas then move onto painting. I found short strokes in one direction gave best results.

Screw the USB Controller board onto the base with 4x M2.5 Nuts and Bolts.

Fit the joystick into the top cover with the 4 M5 bolts, fit the 6 buttons, making sure they are the correct orientation and as tight as you can get them - you dont want them to work loose under use.

Fit the cables as per the picture:

Button --> Socket

A --> A

B --> B

X --> C

Y --> D

L1 --> L1

R1 --> R1

Tuck all the wires in so that they do not snag anything and close the 2 halves, it should be a pretty snug fit. Use the 4 M2 Screws to secure the base.

Attach 4 rubber feet to the base so that it does not slide around or scratch the table surface.

Add your optional stickers.

Attach the USB A to B cable and connect to your computer.

Use the Windows "Game Controller" control panel widget to check that everything is working normally. The Joystick axis were correct for me first time, so no adjustment was needed. You might need to calibrate though.

Load up your favorite emulator and enjoy 😁