
I started with a large heavy base one along the lines of the Nes Advantage or a joystick that plugs into both controller ports. Mostly wanted to utilize all the inputs possible into a single controller to diversify control setups. At first it was confined to a single option but that turned out to be too limited in usage for such a large expensive construct so I started adding logical extensions of operation.
-First thing I did was widen it so that 2 players could use it much like an arcade cab setup. Because of the button placement I had to add a setting switch to "turn off" the buttons associated to the 2nd players inputs for obvious reasons. Added a little color coding to identify the 2 main fire buttons, stuck to red.
-Next I thought why not allow both joysticks to be used together by one player so I put a redundant fire button on top of both joysticks for easy access. Mulled over grip issues but decided a "Crane Game" style was the best middle ground.
-Lastly I thought the base was pretty wide so why not add Paddle knobs too since the cost was negligible at that point. Couldn't figure out which tech to put into the knobs since the Driving paddle doesn't use a potentiometer, perhaps another setting to approximate Driving input from a potentiometer?
With my budget its an either or situation so I haven't ordered any parts yet unless I want to suspend collecting retro games for a while.^_^
Another concept was using the usual suspect or a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive controller(3button) to mod since I have many lying around. Again I didn't want it to be overly static in function so I broke it down to 3 setting or modes. It really depended on the controller used as to how setting were changed since a Start button would be tapped to switch modes while a controller with Turbo switches could utilize the 3 stops on the switch.
-Standard:4 way joystick and a Fire button
-Platformer: Left, Right, Down, Fire, Jump(Up)
-Maximum: Left, Right, Fire, Fire2(Up), Fire3(down)
My last concept was something in between the extremes which was a 6 button gamepad that plugged into both ports. It was either modding a Sega fighter gamepad or do an extreme mod to a Snes controller. Both layouts had there strengths but I couldn't decide which would serve 2600 games best so perhaps this forum has some thoughts on the matter?
Mostly these designs have just sat in my directory till I get the cash together and schedule some time for it but I thought it would be better to share them and maybe get some feedback.