sudomod

So I'm terribly new. Just putting a parts list together and was wondering if you guys could tell me the difference between these boards.

This one has some chip in the middle, not quite sure what it does. Has the option to be installed for extra? http://store.kitsch-bent.com/product/ex ... 2c-version

I believe this is their original. http://store.kitsch-bent.com/product/co ... -y-version

The first one you mentionned is using an i²c interface. That means you have to use one pin for ground, one for the power and two for the data. Then you just need to code something on the pi that transform the i²c signal to keys.
The second one has nothing on it and is straight button output, you need either connecting each button to GPIO, or better, going through an alternative board that converts it to joystick. Like a teensy or an arduino.
My best bet for a beginner is to buy on ebay an Arduino Pro Mini and buy the board without the chip.
You then link the buttons on pin on the arduino, and ground to ground. You plug it in USB and flash this library: https://github.com/oxodao/GBZGamePad.
You can then connect it to the pi, and it is ready to use, no programming required

You can probably use something like that if you don't have tiny cables http://www.ebay.com/itm/micro-USB-Type- ... SwT6pVvwES

Cool, thanks for replying! I've already ordered the teensy, so i guess raw input is really all i need. Cant wait to start this!