Traditional game controllers need constant gripping, which can cause hand strain over time. But do we really need to hold them at all?
Our design has a wrist-mounted controller, which eliminates the need for holding a typical controller. Instead, it uses carefully placed limit switches that operate with finger movements, providing simple control by just curling or bending the fingers.
Each switch is linked to a lever mechanism, with a string connecting the lever to a ring worn on the finger. When the finger moves, the string pulls the lever, which triggers the switch.
We utilize two limit switches that are connected in parallel with the button inputs of our previously made SNES Mini controller.
This method provides an intuitive and ergonomic way to interact with games, reducing hand strain. It challenges standard control methods by allowing natural finger movements to drive games.
This article is about setting up this basic string-based wearable controller, so let's get started with the build.
For this project, we are utilizing our previously made POCKET SNES controller as the base for this project. Base here means we are using this Pocket SNES as the main controller, and we will be adding our custom wrist-mounted contraption with this setup.
Let's have a recap of the project: the RP2040-Tiny mini development board, which is an SMD or module version of the Raspberry Pi PICO, serves as the controller brain.
The RP2040 Tiny Module was installed on a controller-shaped PCB that had small SMD tactile buttons on one side and the RP2040 controller on the other.
To increase the controller's grip, an enclosure is added to the bottom side of the PCB, making it easier to hold. You can check out the full build guide about this project from the link below. https://www.hackster.io/Arnov_Sharma_makes/pocket-snes-9babf9
PCBWAY SERVICE
For this project, we are reusing the SNES Mini PCBs provided by PCBWAY. The order was placed for a white solder mask with a black silkscreen PCB.
PCBs were received within a week, and the PCB quality was outstanding. Here, we added a few design elements on the board's silkscreen layer to increase the aesthetic appeal of the project. PCBWAY made the custom layer properly, which shows their great PCB manufacturing capabilities.
Over the past ten years, PCBWay has distinguished themselves by providing outstanding PCB manufacturing and assembly services, becoming a trusted partner for countless engineers and designers worldwide.
You guys can check out PCBWAY if you want great PCB service at an affordable rate.
STRING CONTROLLER DESIGN
Let's have a look at the design of the Wrist Mount Part, which was really straightforward to put together. We just installed two lever switches near the knuckles of the hands, then modeled a holder to keep these two switches in place. Each switch faces the finger; the first switch is for the index finger, and the second is for the middle finger. Our goal was to add a string with a lever to these limit switches, followed by a ring-like part that will be put on both fingers. Because the string is attached to the switch's lever, when pulled downward, the switch registers a click, which is how our controller works.
This was merely for testing whether or not this idea works; therefore, we only put up two limit switches, but we could modify this setup to operate five switches utilizing our five fingers. After finishing the model, we exported the STL files for the Switch Holder and rings and printed them on our Creality K10 max with a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2mm layer height.
BASIC SETUP
The assembly process for this small experiment was rather simple; limit switches were attached to their designated places on the switch holder part.
We tied a knot on each Limit Switch lever to secure the 1mm string. The other end of the string is linked to the Ring Part.
To wear this device, we attached an elastic belt salvaged from an old adventure wearable LED headlight.
Arnov Sharma
