SNES Controller USB Adapter

I wanted to use my Super Nintendo controllers on my PC - to play only legally purchased games, of course! So I started doing some research to figure out the best way to accomplish it. Turns out it's an Arduino implementing a custom (nearly SPI) protocol and an HID descriptor.

You can build this project fairly easily by grabbing the code from the repo, uploading it, and wiring up your microcontroller as shown in the schematic. There are a couple of hurdles, though. The biggest one is getting the Super Nintendo controller ports, which I did by buying a couple broken Nintendos and disassembling them. You could also cut the end off a Controller and hardwire it if you don't mind losing the controller for good (ouch).

To put it all together, I mounted it in a pre-made enclosure. I mounted the PCB with nylon standoffs+screws, and I mounted the controller ports by cutting holes just the right size and bracing them with corner brackets, which are screwed in from the outside.

I also decided to make a video about the whole process, so if anything is unclear, it may help! It also includes a detailed explanation of the SNES controller protocol, how the code works, and an overview of the HID descriptor. It becomes a much more advanced project if you decide to customize or improve the code, or if you want to have a solid understanding of it.

Complete List of Parts and Tools I used (Disclosure - Amazon Affiliate Links):

Pro Trinket 5v Microcontroller: https://amzn.to/39C1El7
Resistor kit: https://amzn.to/3nL7N3t
Assorted LEDs: https://amzn.to/3oPSFDg
LED Mounting Holders: https://amzn.to/35Hf3HK
Project Enclosure: https://amzn.to/3ieUuaF
Assorted Perfboards: https://amzn.to/3oNUel7
Mounting Standoffs: https://amzn.to/3nO8DN8
Header Sockets: https://amzn.to/38KNwqv
USB Dongle thingy: https://amzn.to/3bI0aZn
Breadboard: https://amzn.to/35Iy6Bt
Nintendo Security Tool: https://amzn.to/2KmL9ky
Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/2LRqi9t
Hot knife tips: https://amzn.to/3bHpjDu
Wood burning iron (used for hot knife. There's probably a way to rig it up with a standard soldering iron, but I had this already): https://amzn.to/3nH9TBC