Nes Max Controller - Ideas wanted

[super_mushroom]

Hey all,

I managed to get my hands on an old NES Max Controller, and I'm looking for ideas what I can do with it.

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I was thinking I would try turn it into a bluetooth controller, but not sure if there's enough space. Would be amazing if I could somehow get it working with the Switch.

circuit board

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with a snes controller for size comparison

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What approaches could I take?
- Modify one of 8bitdo's kits
- Hack a 8bitdo Zero 2 controller controllers perhaps. Not sure how I'd get a working board in there, but maybe it's possible
- I've seen some tutorials for DIY bluetooth controllers, maybe more feasible, but I guess it wouldn't work with the Switch then.
- Hack a joycon board into it somehow.
- Question whether to keep the D-pad, or maybe try put in an analogue controller.

My electronics skills are modest, so I also want to do something I can actually achieve.

Thanks very much!

[infinitLoop]

oh man, i hated using that thing as a kid. i always loved the look tho.

programming it as a usb controller using a pro micro or teensy wouldn't be too hard if you are relatively comfortable soldering and using a multi-meter. then you can try to use the thumb pad as an analog stick too, with that, but that would be a bit more advanced.

[super_mushroom]

Yea, it's a great look. I think it worked well for top-down games, but poorly for everything else I love the form factor too, that's why I was excited to get it.

I have some experience with soldering & Arduino in the past, and I can do basic coding, so the pro micro or teensy approach seem promising. Thanks for your suggestions!