I want to either buy, modify, or build a controller which I consider to be ideal to use with a PC. I was considering using a DualSense as a base, since I like the overall layout.
What I would want to change is the joystick caps and the DPad.
I want to add capacitive sensors to the Joysticks like what the Steam Deck has, so that I can configure gyro to work in a similar way. Not sure how to handle the electronics while keeping the original DualSense PCB so that I could use adaptive triggers in games that support it.
I also wanted to replace the DPad with a Sega Saturn DPad. Since this is more of a physical shell modification, I was considering a couple of options. Either, I get a replacement front housing shell and new Retrobit Saturn controller and hack them up, then use epoxy to glue the necessary parts together, or to just design and 3D print an entirely new front shell that could accomidate the DPad. I am worried about the smoothness of the buttons along with the overall feel of 3D printing, though.
I found this on thingiverse that could be helpful: https://archive.org/details/thingiverse-2626644
If I can't start with an existing controller for whatever reason, I was thinking of maybe trying to build one from scratch, but that sounds like a lot more effort.
Does anybody here have experience with controller modding who has any ideas?
EDIT: Found this guide to mod a left joycon with a Saturn DPad. Maybe some of this information could apply to other controllers as well: https://sc.vern.cc/@NanoGameReviews/seg ... 0d2425da90
EDIT2: So I think the above guide can be applied to any molded DPad in any controller. Sony controllers would require drilling through the middle of the front housing as well. I wanted it to look a bit more native, but I think it can still look nice sitting on top of the original DPad. Not sure if it will have the same feel as an original Sega controller, though, but should feel pretty good IMO.
Looking for controller advice
Re: Looking for controller advice
Here is a PoC for the DPad with a Switch Pro controller, since the front shell doesn't need to be modified. Just combined some STL files from Thingiverse together in a slicer (I know nothing about how to use CAD).
Still has some issues (mainly due to it being 3D printed and the layout of the Switch Pro controller causing interference with the left stick), but the general concept works great. Diagonals are much easier, and the cardinal directions take a lot less force to push down.
Re: Looking for controller advice
Managed to get the Nomad DPad from RetroGameRevival in my DualSense without modifying the front shell.
Bottom half: https://files.catbox.moe/nhjzfx.stl
Top half: https://files.catbox.moe/zw3829.stl
I'm licensing these under CC-BY-NC (attribution and non-commercial). I don't recommend distributing them as-is, due to the incompleteness of the models, but if distributing, attribution must also be given to maxjenius, RetroGameRevival, and ToppestOfDogs.
This is basically my first CAD project, so the models have some bugs. I'm labeling these as version 0.2. I'd recommend printing both of these on their sides unless using a resin printer (which I don't have). Should be compatible with the DualShock 4 and DualSense.
Original models which I based this project on:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2502593
https://www.printables.com/model/758393 ... ll-buttons
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3366067