Any N64 specific control panels?

[ragnar]

I was going to explain what I was thinking about doing for an N64 control panel, but I thought I should ask if anyone has done it already.

I tried searching the forums.  No luck.  So now, I am replacing technology (search button) with humans.  Does anyone know if there are threads that discuss this matter?

[gatordad]

http://www.quasimoto.com/accessories-for-home

[ragnar]

Thanks!  The controllers in your link give some interesting (not often seen) ideas that are worth keeping in mind.

I'll start linking N64 threads:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=52880.msg518826#msg518826
CONCLUSION:  N64 emulation is a great idea that usually ends up being used very little.  Some games work good with Arcade controls, others don't  Mario 64 doesn't work well with Arcade CP.  MarioCart is pretty good with an arcade CP.

QUESTION: Anyone play wave race?  That's a game I am really interested in.

[ragnar]

A good point was raised in this thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=73316.msg756877#msg756877

QUOTE:
Off the top of my head, an N64 controller has 10 buttons as follows: the A, the B, the L, the R, the Z, four (4) "C" buttons, and "Start".   Now, considering the "Z" takes the place of the "L" in a lot of games (when using the analog nub), you can get it down to nine.  Shift a button for "Start" (the U360 supports the shift function), and you can get away with only having eight inputs.   The whole analog stick thing is another story and if you're interested in playing games that rely on the analog stick (a good portion of the N64 library), you will definitely want something along the line of the U360s.

Here's where it gets a little messier: One of the best games for the N64 - that'd be Goldeneye - uses the pad AND the stick (IIRC)... well pretty much the whole controller.   You can always buy a cheap "Super" along with the U360 - and an encoder along with the wiring harness, but now you're total cost goes up a bit.   And that's for each player - Goldeneye is best as a four-player shootout.

Instead of percentages, you should concentrate on exactly what games you want to play on your cab from the N64 library and work from there.  If it's mostly fighters, you can get away with good ole inexpensive digital, 8-way sticks.

Once you get the N64 playlist out of the way, everything else is easier.  SNES is all digital and there are only 8 buttons to emulate.  Systems older than that use even less buttons.

-THANKS TO: DaveMMR

MY COMMENTS:
What this all boils down to is that there are 6 buttons to the right.  Each shoulder has one button (2 total).  And there is the Z button under the analog stick.  That's 9 buttons.  But when you hold the stick, you only use the Z button OR the Left shoulder button.  So, you only need 8 buttons.  That is good news since I have seen a CP layout liek this before which might be doable:
_OOO_
_OOO_
O___O

Exaggerated, but the O's are the buttons and that is 8.  Basically one pinky button and one thumb button.  Get a 4/8 way controller and analog stick and you are set.

[bkenobi]

I personally found that playing most console games with an arcade CP was crap.  I bought a pair of wireless Logitech pads and have been very pleased.  They provide enough inputs for everything short of a Jaguar controller.

[markronz]

I'd have to agree with the theme here that others are talking about.   Theres just too many buttons for it to be fun with arcade controls.   There are always exceptions however.   Like I currently use an N64 emulator for the "The New Tetris" game thats on N64, and I control it with my arcade controls just fine.  But that's only because there are 3 buttons that you use in the game.   So is it technically possible to do the N64 thing with an arcade, yes, but it is friendly or intuitive, depends on the game, but usually no.

On a side note, I have no problems emulating SNES, Genesis, Nintendo and anything older.  I especially enjoy playing NES on mine, and it works fine.   Thats the general point where I stopped trying to emulate anything newer though.

[ragnar]

I think what is needed is a study into various games that use alot of buttons on the N64.  Does Nintendo have a standard that other people are supposed to follow?  I think Nintendo does this with one button always being jump, the other fire, etc.

I almost think that some smaller buttons would work.  When I say small, I am talking 1/2 inch.  Maybe less.   kinda like this:

_O_O_O_
__X_X__
_O_O_O_
O_____O

The buttons would be packed better than the above image.  Trying to illustrate the concept.  But those X's could fit in between the buttons that would be part of the layout and be assigned to buttons that are used infrequently.

[Todd H]

Add a USB hub and buy some N64 controllers and USB adapters. Trust me. I've fought that battle already.

[r32]

Add a USB hub and buy some N64 controllers and USB adapters. Trust me. I've fought that battle already.

I agree. I found some N64 > USB adapters years ago and tried them out. They work great! In fact I'm designing my first cabinet right now and there will be front accessible USB plugins for playing all of the console games.

You can find N64 USB adapters on Ebay. Just type in "N64 USB". You can find other adapters too.

My line of thought on planing console games like Sega, Nintendo, Sony, etc, is that most of them are best played with the original controls, which is what they were designed for. I think that enhances playing the games more-so than using joystick arcade control setup (...most games).

[Bender]

Add a USB hub and buy some N64 controllers and USB adapters. Trust me. I've fought that battle already.

+1

although there are a few games that are fun and playable with a joystick and couple of buttons, you can do both if you go with above suggestion

[thatitalian]

Add a USB hub and buy some N64 controllers and USB adapters. Trust me. I've fought that battle already.

+1

Get yourself one of these!

[ragnar]

I was doing some thinking today.  I might be doing the equivalent of a number pad to support Atari 5200 keypad.  So I might try doing a layout that should work with the Atari 5200 and N64.

Anyways, all I can do with the N64 is determine what games I want to play and from that determine what kind of button layout makes sense.  For the cost of a few buttons, I'd rather try and fail than not try and regret it.  I already know that I'll need a I-Pac to support a few more buttons than the 8 that the 360 ultrastick supports.  With the open spots on the iPac, I might as well use them.

[mrclean]

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=82

[ragnar]

I'm noticing a recurring theme :-)

[thatitalian]

Seriously, it is recurring for a reason. Stick with arcade layout and have a few USB ports on the side of your CP or cab to add controller support. N64 + Arcade CP = NO NO NO! I used it for N64 and when I switched it made all the difference, especially for Goldeneye!!!

[Red]

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=82

How does this adapter compare to the Adaptoid?