USB Controller Interface - for hacking NES controller

[markronz]

Hey everyone-
    I am considering hacking two NES controllers to make them USB.   I have tried the repro ones that are cheap and readily available, but in my opinion they don't work all that great.  Passable usually, but something still didn't feel right.   A while back I ordered some USB ones off email that some dude hacked himself, and they just feel perfect!    Well I'm working on my next cabinet, and I was thinking that I'd like to make some of these myself.    I came across this kit here:

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=44

I am leaning towards that one right now since it has instructions.  The part I don't like is that I want a 10' USB cable, and I'm guessing the provided one is only 6'.   Now I could just buy an extra cable and be done with it, but I thought I would check first to see if these USB controller interface chips were readily available elsewhere beyond this site?   I tried googling USB Controller Inferface, but nothing in the immediate results appeared to be close to what is offered on the above website.  Am I googling the wrong thing?   Is there something else cheaper I can buy, and then I can simply get my own 10' cord elsewhere?

Thanks!

[Eddie_Brock]

I don't mean any offense by this, by why would you decide on NES controllers, and not SNES?
The original controller was like holding a box in your hands, where the SNES at least has rounded corners, not to mention more buttons for more functionality in future gaming.

Anyway, you should find that if you mount the controllers at the front of whatever you use for a cabinet, that 6' will be plenty of cord. If not, it'd be fairly straight forward to extend the cable on whichever end is easier.

[markronz]

Just preference.   I grew up with the NES and it's what I prefer to use when playing classic NES games.

And the 6' is not plenty of cord.   I have a 6' on the cheap repro ones I mentioned.  So I know that I would prefer 10' ones, hence the reason why I posted.   So if anyone knows if these USB controller interfaces (or something similar to what Ive linked) are available elsewhere, that would be helpful.  Thanks.

[MonMotha]

You can just hack the end off a 10' USB cable and use that instead of the included one, if you want to.

[opt2not]

Just preference.   I grew up with the NES and it's what I prefer to use when playing classic NES games.

+1

[Nephasth]

I had some crap repro NES controllers with 15' cords I bought off eBay. The controllers sucked, so I swapped the cords from those with original NES controllers and now I sit comfortably on my couch playing my NES. You might be able to do that and use that retrokit to put an NES port in your cab or computer.

[hypernova]

Why not just use the little extensions they already made?

Retroport NES

They've already done the work for you (though it's not 10' of cable).  The SNES one I bought awhile back from them is 2' long itself.

[hypernova]

Huh...I just scrolled down.  They have N64 adapters too.  VERY interesting.  I'm interested in those.  I sold my Adaptoids because they were still are extremely valuable.  But if these work just as well, screw the adaptoid.

[upprc04]

I know there are other N64 to USB adapters where you get two controllers for about the same price if not cheaper than what retrousb sells for one.  I own a PSX controller to USB that supports up to 4 controllers that was around the same price range ($20).  Is there no DIY solutions for NES or SNES?  I'm planning to look at it down the road after I finish my arcade to see if I could get a simple USB or similar connection to get SNES or NES working.  I find it hard to spend $15-20 per adapter to get one controller.  But I'm not really die hard and am happy with playstation controller.  But I think it would be a cool project and be nice to use actual controllers.  Does anyone have any other links for DIY adapters?

[markronz]

I know there are other N64 to USB adapters where you get two controllers for about the same price if not cheaper than what retrousb sells for one.  I own a PSX controller to USB that supports up to 4 controllers that was around the same price range ($20).  Is there no DIY solutions for NES or SNES?  I'm planning to look at it down the road after I finish my arcade to see if I could get a simple USB or similar connection to get SNES or NES working.  I find it hard to spend $15-20 per adapter to get one controller.  But I'm not really die hard and am happy with playstation controller.  But I think it would be a cool project and be nice to use actual controllers.  Does anyone have any other links for DIY adapters?

+1   

I could buy the adapters, but I was thinking I might be able to do it myself.  Could be sort of fun.  Also, it seemed to me that 15 - 20 for one controller port is a lot.  Then I'd have to add the cost of the actual controller onto that too.  USB cables are cheap, so I just thought there might be a cheaper option out there than the package by retrousb for those willing to put in the effort.