Raspberry Pi Pico Converts Retro Controllers for Classic Gaming Experience

Part of the nostalgia for retro gaming is how we performed the games. Usually we experienced a basic joystick (or joypad) and a one button as our interface. Using a Raspberry Pi Pico, the CTRLDock Common SE aims to convey back these halcyon times for the MiSTer Multisystem FPGA alternative.

The MiSTer Multisystem is an FPGA (Discipline Programmable Gate Array) gaming console that is developed to precisely emulate retro gaming consoles and computers of the late 20th century. In this era, various D-sub connectors were being employed throughout numerous different home pcs and consoles. From the Commodore 64, to the Sega Genesis (Megadrive) the 9-pin D-sub supplied ample pins for “Mortal Kombat” fatalities and avenging your crew mates in “Turrican 2.” The MiSTer Multisystem offers USB ports for controllers, necessitating the use of replica controllers with USB interfaces or employing an additional Raspberry Pi Pico-dependent controller hack.

Controller Compatibility

• Atari VCS/2600, 7800, 800, VCS, ST (Joysticks and Mice), Atari Keypad
• Commodore Amiga (Joysticks and Mice), VIC-20, C64, C64GS, C128, CD32
• Sinclair ZX Spectrum
• Amstrad CPC, GX4000
• MSX
• Sega Mega Generate, Master Procedure
• NeoGeo joysticks and pads
• Paddle modes with sensitivity adjustment

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The $93 (£74.99 prior to tax) CTRLDock Typical SE presents a lower-latency interface for interval exact controllers to function with your shiny new MiSTer Multisystem. The creators states that digital inputs have been “measured as very low as .7ms” and analog at 1.4ms. That is fast plenty of for button mashing combos and correct platform shenanigans. There is aid for sport controllers, joysticks, mouse, trackball and activity paddles, and the package can aid two-participant gaming. Nintendo enthusiasts will have to wait around for a long run product which will offer you aid for NES and SNES controllers.

On the front of the device are four controller inputs, two 9-pin, and two 15-pin (for NeoGeo controllers). In the heart of the PCB is a Raspberry Pi Pico, a board that has appear to be the “go-to” for retro hardware fanatics. The Raspberry Pi Pico is surface area mount soldered to the PCB, utilizing its castellations to both equally safe and join the Pico to the more substantial PCB. A USB direct from the Pico is utilized to link the board to the MiSTer Multisystem’s USB port. The Pico can also be upgraded with newer firmware, as it is produced. If you don’t possess a MiSTer Multisystem, then the CTRLDock Basic SE can also be employed with Windows, macOS and Linux OS as it appears as a generic USB HID video game controller. 

At this time, CTRLDock Common SE is in production, and units are not expected to ship for an additional 2 – 3 months. If you can not wait around that lengthy then you could make your possess using a Raspberry Pi Pico or Adafruit’s KB2040 as the brains.