3D-Printed Smash Brothers “Hit Box” Controller

If you really like Smash Brothers, you can buy a Hit Box Arcade controller for only(?) $199.99 to enhance your gaming abilities. Unfortunately, they seem to be out of stock as of this writing, so if you want a less expensive 3D-printed version, Akaki Kuumeri shows off his design and how he made it in the video below. It works so well, in fact, that Kuumeri brags, “I’d go so far as to say it’s a pretty good controller.”

Kuumeri's device features a 3D-printed frame and keycaps, made in a style reminiscent of the original NES gamepad. It uses “clicky” keyboard switches as inputs, and sits on a desktop of coffee table, enabling the user to type in movement and attack commands. Print files are available on Thingiverse, and as explained in the video, the body is just a plate with a bunch of holes for the switches. Kuumeri has provided two layouts there, and or individual switch holders can be integrated into your design for total customization. While the idea is for Smash Brothers usage, one could see this template integrated into any number of custom input devices.

Electronics-wise, the build is brilliant in its simplicity. A knockoff GameCube controller is donated, partially disassembled, and placed in the housing, with test pads wired into the keyboard switches as controls. What’s noticeably missing, however, is the ability for analog input, which is accounted for by adding a “shift” key. This activates an internal voltage divider, allowing for medium “stick” movement using digital buttons, as explained starting at around the 12:30 mark in the video.