Building N64 Controller to USB Converter

[Bowser N64]

Anyone think it possible to maybe modify my N64 controller and like solder a USB connector to the end of the cable, where my controller cable was?

[roland p]

You need a device such as this:http://www.jandaman.com/games.mvc?p=n64psx...tegory_code=N64. It's a converter that connects your N64 joystick to usb.

The signals of the N64 joystick is probably completely different from usb signals, so rewirering is not an option.

Edited March 4, 2009 by roland p

[Ian Primus]

To go from N64 to usb, you'll need some active logic - in this case, a microcontroller. You can also actually interface one to the parallel port with very little hardware - there's a kernel module that will support it. I did this with an NES controller several years ago. I also have no clue if there would be a Windows driver for it - I was using it with Linux.

 

It's not a simple rewire job. If you do a bit of searching, I know there is info out there to build an adapter to USB - but you'll need to know a fair amount of electronics to build one. It will involve a microcontroller, and the programming thereof.

 

-Ian

[Rybags]

The more relevant question is - why bother?

 

N64 controllers must be almost the most unreliable things out there. PS1 controllers cost next to nothing, and USB adaptors for them are cheap.

[Lord Helmet]

The more relevant question is - why bother?

 

N64 controllers must be almost the most unreliable things out there. PS1 controllers cost next to nothing, and USB adaptors for them are cheap.

 

The N64 emulators really would be better using the original controller. The N64 controller was so different from a layout perspective that I've had a difficult time getting another usb controller to work properly.

[Bowser N64]

To go from N64 to usb, you'll need some active logic - in this case, a microcontroller. You can also actually interface one to the parallel port with very little hardware - there's a kernel module that will support it. I did this with an NES controller several years ago. I also have no clue if there would be a Windows driver for it - I was using it with Linux.

 

It's not a simple rewire job. If you do a bit of searching, I know there is info out there to build an adapter to USB - but you'll need to know a fair amount of electronics to build one. It will involve a microcontroller, and the programming thereof.

 

-Ian

 

I see.

[Video]

Well, unless you just for some reason want to literally wire a 64 controller to work in a USB port, you could just get an adaptor, like the Joybox, I got one for the computer that will let you use 64, game.cube, x-box, and PSX/2 controllers on the USB port. Those are easy to find (I picked it up at walmart, and they still had them last I checked) and are cheap, I paid $10 for mine. Just check Amazon or Ebay for Nintendo 64 to USB adaptor, and you should find many makes and models of the things.

[Bowser N64]

That sounds REALLY far fetched that Wal Mart would have that In Store.

[Reaperman]

That sounds REALLY far fetched that Wal Mart would have that In Store.

I've seen them carry the ps2 and xbox to usb plugs, it stands to reason that a few stores got deluxe versions that handle more systems. But yeah, it doesn't sound like something walmart would carry at all, I was a bit surprised.

[Bowser N64]

Me too. But an N64 controller plug is different and would not fit the playstation and XBOX USB converters right?

[Video]

Sorry, I errored, the version I picked up did X-box, PS2, and Game Cube, not N64, though I have seen the 64 versions, and you can pull up a list on Ebay or something.

 

This isn't the best deal, but one like this is what I'm talking about.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/N64-PS1-PS2-Controller...1QQcmdZViewItem