A video game controller that can control any computer game!

The pro micro is an Arduino IDE-programmed board that can function as a USB keyboard or mouse. I took of this feature to create a video game controller. Each button triggers a key on your keyboard to be pressed or your mouse to scroll. The joystick controls your mouse location. With the combination of these two, you have full control of your games.

Hardware

Button: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/97

Joystick: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9032

Pro micro: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12640

Custom PCB: https://easyeda.com/gadhaguy13/videogamecontroller (see warnings below)

Software

The pro micro is programmed by the Arduino-IDE. I put these functions because every controller will be different.

Keyboard

Import the keyboard library

#include "Keyboard.h"

Begin the keyboard:

Keyboard.begin()

Press a key:

Keyboard.press('key')

Release a key:

Keyboard.release()

Mouse

Import the mouse library:

#include "Mouse.h" 

Begin the mouse:

Mouse.begin()

Click:

Mouse.click()

Move mouse or scroll:

Mouse.move(x,y,scroll) 

PCB

I designed the PCB with EasyEDA and got it manufactured at JLCPCB. This is the link to the PCB design. Please check for errors before ordering it! I made a few untested minor tweaks after ordering it. Also, make sure it matches the pro micro, as the PCB link I gave is for the arduino nano, which is not compatible with the keyboard and mouse libraries. You can add buttons or change the layout to your liking.

Layers

This PCB has two layers. Layers make it so that you can have two wires go on top of each other without shorting.

Vias

Vias connect the layers of the PCB to each other. For example, if you want a wire from the top layer to connect to a wire from the bottom layer, add a via.

Ratlines&Wires

Ratlines are like a guideline for you to place your wires. They follow the schematic. You can make the PCB without using the schematic or ratlines, but I do recommend them. They make the wiring easy in my opinion. When wiring, make sure your wires do not form a 90° angle.

Remember to change the arduino nano slot on the PCB for whichever arduino you are using!

EXPANDED TECHNICAL DETAILS

Versatile HID Peripheral Build

This project creates a universal Human Interface Device (HID) that acts as a plug-and-play game controller for any PC, Mac, or Linux computer.

• Native HID Emulation: Uses the ATmega32U4 processor (found in the Arduino Pro Micro or Leonardo), which allows the board to be recognized natively as a standard USB Keyboard or Joystick without any drivers.
• High-Precision Analog Control: Features dual analog joysticks (10-bit resolution) and several tactile "Trigger" buttons, providing the precision needed for competitive gaming.

Custom Mapping

• Firmware Level Logic: Buttons can be mapped at the code level to any key combination (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+S for save), allowing for a highly personalized gaming or productivity macropad.