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DIY Wireless Gamecube Controller

How to make a Wireless Gamecube Controller using the nRF24L01+

oksalairoksalair
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Make an adapter or convert a regular Gamecube controller to wireless using a pair of Arduinos and nRF24L01+ tranceivers.

I found my old Gamecube in my closet and decided to modernize it by modding it as much as possible. After installing a modchip, HDMI adapter, Broadband adapter, and finally the Game Boy Player along with GBI, I sat down to play some games only to realize how much I hate wired controllers.

I decided to make a couple of wireless controller since used Wavebirds are so expensive ( Who wants to pay $40-60 for a gross used controller).

Using Nicohood's library along with tons of help from the Arduino and Adafruit Discord community I finally have a Wireless Gamecube Controller.

  • 2 × Arduino Nano or Arduino Pro Mini 5v You will need a FTDI programmer and a AMS1117 3.3v regulator if you use a Pro Mini
  • 2 × nRF24L01+ Tranceivers Cheap Chinese ones will require extenal power 3.3v
  • 1 × Gamecube Extension Cord Different cords have different color wires inside so make sure you determine the pinout
  • 1 × USB Powerbank I use a cheap $5 powerbank I got from Frys or you could go the expensive route and get a Li-Po battery and an Adafruit Powerboost 500C
  • 1 × OPTIONAL - Micro USB B Female Jack Only if you plan on cutting the cord and integrating inside a controller

View all 8 components

  • Adapter Version almost done

    oksalair • 11/16/2018 at 00:58 • 0 comments

    The prototyping stages are done for the adapter version and the connection seems pretty stable. 3D printed parts are being printed right now and should be done soon.

    The integrated controller version still has a lot of connection problems.

    Things I tested

    - I initially thought I was getting interference and tried changing the channel but then the adapter version should be just as unstable if that was the case.

    - Tried externally powering the nRF24L01+ with 3.3v because the Nano's 3.3v pin might not be able to provide enough power but no change.

    - Tried adding a 100uf electrolytic capacitor to the 3.3v but still no change

    - Tried adding a capacitor to the 5v VIN/GND and the problem became apparent. 

    - The cheap 5v Boost/Li-Po charger I got on amazon is crap and the Arduino is not receiving stable power and the arduino is struggling to stay alive. I was hoping to avoid buying the expensive Adafruit PowerBoost Chargers but at this point I guess it's the best quality.

View project log

  • 1
    Pinout the Gamecube Extension Cable

    1st step is to get a pinout of your extension cable, I tried 3 different brands and they all use different color wires so make sure you use a multimeter's continuity to get a pinout of your cable!

    Here is the Pinout of the nRF24L01+ and Arduino Nano
  • 2
    Receiver Connector (To the Gamecube)

    You can use a Arduino Pro Mini 5v here since the Gamecube will provide 5v for the Arduino and 3.3v for the nRF24L01+ but for this example I'm using a Nano to simplify things

  • 3
    Transmitter End ( To the Controller)

    The Transmitter end is a bit more complicated with the battery and booster/charger parts. The Gamecube controller only needs 3.3v to work, the 5v is only need for the rumble function but unfortunately for this project rumble hasn't been implemented yet.

    The controller and the nRF24L01+ will share the the 3.3v and GND pin on the Nano. If you notice a lot drop connections the nRF24L01+ is not receiving enough power and you might need a ams117 3.3v regulator to power it separately. This is especially noticeable on cheap knockoff nRF24L01+ on ebay. 

View all 3 instructions

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chri.private wrote 07/13/2020 at 09:24 • point

Hi! Great project of yours! I want to do a DIY receiver for wavebird controllers in the near future. Would be great to have a code to start with. I would appreciate it if you would send me the code of your project. Thanks!

  Are you sure? yes | no

jajahn2 wrote 04/14/2019 at 14:59 • point

I love this project. I'd love to be involved but also can't code to save my life. I custom paint consoles for fun and I'm in the midst of modding the hell out of a gamecube. I'm not sure if this is still going on but damn this would be amazing. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

3lacksky wrote 04/16/2019 at 17:23 • point

If I can get it running, I can send you the code etc, but with my skills I will need some time and help from friends. But I will let you know about my progress :)

  Are you sure? yes | no

jajahn2 wrote 04/17/2019 at 02:09 • point

Please do. I appreciate it. Since I last posted I decided to do a case mod on a gamecube. I trimmed the MB tonight and so far so good. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

3lacksky wrote 04/24/2019 at 13:32 • point

just got it working, i have send you a Message :)

  Are you sure? yes | no

3lacksky wrote 04/10/2019 at 14:15 • point

Hey, I like your project, tried to Build the same a year ago, but after 4 month of fails, I just let it be. Your idea with the Arduino is perfect, but I just can‘t Programm that good, I red the Readme‘s of the github Library, but it would be Great if I could get your Code :) So, if its anyhow possible, could you send me the code? :) thanks

  Are you sure? yes | no

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