Cocktail Cabinets

Desktop Arcade Controls

Miscellaneous Hacks

NOTE: This information on console adapters is a condensed version of what's available on the alternatives link off the main FAQ page.  If this is your cup of tea, be sure to visit Alternatives off the main page for full details and new information.

Sega/Nintendo/Atari/etc joysticks

There are multiple sites on the web offering products to interface existing Sega Genesis/Nintendo/Super Nintendo/Atari style joysticks and gamepads to your PC. These come in a variety of flavors/styles. Some interface to the joystick port, some to the keyboard port, and some to the parallel port. Some require software drivers, some don't. The sites offering such things that I've found are:

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DirectPad Pro is a combination software/hardware interface for hooking up various game pads to your computer.  Nintendo 64, Sony Playstation (force feedback!), more.

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SNESKEY is a freeware software package by Benji York. It is the software interface used to connect a parallel port adapter device to your joystick/gamepad.  SNESKEY features support for up to 5 SNES/NES controllers as well as other devices.

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Stephan Hans (Many projects), Simon Nield, Earle F.P. III (DirectPad), and Benji York (SNESkey) have been collaborating on connecting a Nintendo 64 controller, and it is now a reality.

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Simon Nield, one of the folks who worked on the N64 parallel port adapter with Stephan, has been at work on a USB console adapter interface.  Currently with support for N64 and Playstation pads, he's looking at possibly adding SNES pads next.

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Simon Nield also has a page up for his modification of the Playstation/DirectPadPro interface, called the MegaTap.  It allows for 4 (or more?) Playstation pads hooked up at once via LPT port!

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INTV2PC - Division Software has released an interface for hooking up Intellivision controllers to your PC.

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SNES Pad Support Site - Chippy has put together a wonderful site dedicated to disseminating information on hooking up SNES controllers to your PC, and also urging various game/emulator authors to add native support for SNES pads.

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Game Station X has a great section called Controller Data, with a good primer on on Controller Theory (analog, digital, etc), as well as pinouts and details on 7 different console controllers.

This information is scattered throughtout the Alternatives section on the main FAQ with many more details, links to pictures, etc.  Wherever you find a product you might consider building, if there's a for-sale version it will also be listed nearby.  There may very well be more products for sale listed in the main FAQ than I included here...
 

Stephan Hans is now selling N64 adapters.

Ultimate Videogame Accessories is selling the Smart Joydapter that allows you to hook up your N64 or PSX controller to your PC.  Some limitations in gameplay.

Kernel Productions JoyPort for the Macintosh - Kernel Productions has a product called the Joyport that will allow you to connect Atari, Playstation, N64, Sega Genesis, and PC controllers into your Macintosh.

HotRod sells a stand alone arcade control console in two models, and will soon offer an arcade cabinet you can plug your PC into.

ArcadeSolutions also sells stand alone arcade control consoles and cabinets, and allows you to customize the design.

TwistyGrip is a company selling arcade quality spinners and Star Wars yokes.  They also give away the plans to make them on their web site :)
 
 

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