Controller Redesign

Research

I tasked myself with redesigning the Nintendo GameCube Controller.

I started by researching the Nintendo GameCube controller, as well as the best controllers on the market today. In order to define the major problems, I reached out to the Super Smash Bros. community (smash community).

The smash community considers the GameCube controller to be the best controller for each game, however, it is generally complained about. With this information as well as addressing personal complaints about the controller I started sketching with the main focus on d-pad buttons, handle form, and controller size while updating its retro look.

Ideation

After sketching some concepts, I modeled the controller in clay.

To make sure that I have the correct sizing, I recreated the GameCube controller’s internals in foam and cardboard as a starting base.

I used automotive clay because it allowed me to adjust the shapes of the from freely. This greatly helped me understand what kind of shape the handles needed to be.

I asked many people with different hand sizes to hold the models to compare which handles fit best.

Once I got a form I was happy with, I moved the project into CAD. I took pictures of the front, top and side views of the clay model and imported those images into Solidworks.

SolidWorks Modeling

In order to have accurate internals for the shell, I had to measure each internal part of the controller using photos and calipers. Once I had an exact replica of the internals, I created the shell.

Having the internals made allows me to have ribs for support, and transfer the internals of the existing GameCube controller into my shell.

3D Print Models

To get the forms to be perfect, I made several 3D print samples. This helped me adjust the forms as well as fix any errors with the internal ribbing and form. This helped solve a lot of problems with internal components lining up and functioning. However, with each iteration, there were more issues discovered.

Final Render

For the final rendering, I had asked many people in the Upstate NY Smash Bros. community about which color combination and material would look the best. Many of them had stated that the translucent grey is their favorite.

In addition, translucent plastic from the late 90s and early 2000s has been becoming more trendy. We can see its use in custom Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Alternate Colors

Other popular color combination was White & Gold. I also referenced the colors of the classic Nintendo GameCube controller models: Silver, Orange, and Indigo.

Final Product

Photography Credit: Derek Oliwa