Arcade stick joystick controller for retro gaming on PC - "the Redstick"

The Redstick is a deliberately chunky retro game controller- designed to be sturdy and relatively kid proof, while being compact enough to print on relatively few plates. It uses threaded inserts and standard metric hardware, and uses an off the shelf arcade controller encoder, though the board caddy should be easily customisable for other boards. 

Tested on PC and Raspberry pi running Batocera

Components

• Joystick kit- I used this one from Amazon but it's a pretty standard kit

• 8x M3x3 threaded inserts (optional, for base)

• 4x M3x5mm threaded inserts

• 4x M4x5 threaded inserts

• Matching countersunk bolts for all inserts

• Additional m3 bolts and nuts for board mounting (size may vary depending on specific kit purchased)

Printing

• Print the case with supports- the vents at the back should be ok, but recommended for front buttons

• Print the face plate face up, no supports needed

• Print the board caddy face up, no supports needed

Assembly

1. Remove all supports from case

Inserts

1. Add 4x M3x3 threaded inserts into holes on the bottom (optional)

2. Add remaining M3x3 inserts to holes for board caddy

3. Add M3x5 inserts to holes matching the face plate

4. Add M4x5 inserts to joystick mounting holes

Buttons and joystick

1. Attach all buttons to face plate using plastic mounting nuts in kit

2. Attach coin and player buttons to case

3. Remove topper and dust washer from joystick. 

Board and wiring

1. Connect wiring to joystick

2. Attach board to board caddy, then attach board caddy to bottom of case. My model matches the zero delay encoder in my kit, if yours is different you may need to use a stand-off. If using a pi pico, check out my virtul pinball controller here https://www.printables.com/model/1783337-virtual-pinball-controller-for-pc-with-working-plu as the caddy is the same dimensions

3. Attach wires to buttons using the guide for your board

4. Connect joystick wires to board, then connect all buttons to board using a wiring diagram matching your board

5. Pass usb cable through hole in back of case, tie a loose knot in it (to prevent accidental cable pulling) and connect to board.

Final assembly

1. Align joystick mounting holes with holes on lid. Insert Joystick lever through hole. Attach to case through holes loosely with M4 bolts into the matching threaded inserts

2. Attach remaining M3 face mounting bolts

3. Tighten (but dont overtighten) all bolts on lid

4. Attach joystick dust cover and ball

Happy Retro gaming! Check out this project's design cousin, the Redball pinball controller