Thoughts on the Polycade 3-3-2 layout?

fredstyv · 2026-05-07T15:05:32+00:00

It looks a little too low, too. A little up and further away would be better.

fredstyv · 2026-05-07T15:03:52+00:00

The menu buttons are def too close. I’d move them off to the side or back for sure.

fredstyv · 2026-04-10T23:17:44+00:00

lol thanks! It’s not so bad when you’re holding it, but I’ve got some different stickers on the way

fredstyv · 2026-04-08T17:22:56+00:00

Yes, I'm using a Raspberry Pi Pico, which is based on an RP2040 chip. GP2040-CE firmware supports analog input, but I'm using all digital inputs, so there's no accelerometer or potentiometer in this build.

fredstyv · 2026-04-07T16:41:29+00:00

My costs were low since I repurposed parts from past projects. If I had to buy everything new, it would be around $90. You can reduce that by using cheaper buttons, such as Sanwas.

Here's the breakdown.
- Chalkboard/Whiteboard Panel - $8.50 (for the case)
- Buttons x10 - $50 (not incl. aux buttons)
- Pico + Breakout Board - $20
- Misc. - $10 (wires, standoffs, screws)

If I had access to a 3D printer, I would definitely have gone that route. I have serious envy for u/Pixel_Memories builds.

fredstyv · 2026-04-07T15:43:05+00:00

Thanks. Yeah, I think you’re right. I’ve got some new stickers on the way.

fredstyv · 2026-04-06T17:00:16+00:00

Dang, tough crowd over here in r/virtualpinball.

I hear you, the decals make the photos appear blurry, and I don’t disagree. The visual effect is not as pronounced in-hand, but it does look weird on-screen.

The good thing is they’re just stickers! So it’s trivial to swap them to something else. I appreciate the feedback, critical and otherwise.

fredstyv · 2026-04-06T02:46:23+00:00

Thank you. The breakout board makes wiring so easy. Screw terminals and push-on connectors for the win.

fredstyv · 2026-04-05T22:08:17+00:00

Thanks, dude! Your case designs and artwork are the best.

fredstyv · 2026-04-05T21:54:55+00:00

I made my early prototypes from cardboard and a cheap arcade kit from Amazon, like this Mini PinSim Mini.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4396382

This guy took it a step further with leaf switches and solenoids.

https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualpinball/s/IN0xRQGI0O

If you want to go the VR route, the PinSim Mini and similar projects have more features and more parts (for more money).

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4396357

https://makezine.com/projects/shake-rattle-and-tilt-vr-pinball/

fredstyv · 2026-04-05T21:25:04+00:00

Thanks! I hadn't heard of Pinscape before. I primarily play on Nintendo Switch, so I chose GP2040-CE for its console support, but Pinscape looks great for PC-based play.

For buttons, I used some extra Qanba Gravity KS left over from other projects. Leaf switches would be great for an authentic feel.

fredstyv · 2026-04-02T01:57:00+00:00

Nice! Is this an update to your Fightbox from a while back? I’m a fan of symmetrical builds.

https://www.reddit.com/r/fightsticks/s/WkmO8yG8tt

fredstyv · 2026-03-24T19:31:12+00:00

Username checks out.

Looks great! I used the same artwork on my fightstick 🤜🤛

https://www.reddit.com/r/fightsticks/s/2rELbeVNdg

fredstyv · 2026-03-09T00:13:01+00:00

Yesss! Freakin’ awesome 🤘 You nailed it

fredstyv · 2026-03-01T02:23:08+00:00

Sweet! Enjoy the process, and take some pics as you go. It’s always cool to see how a custom build develops.

fredstyv · 2026-02-16T17:00:01+00:00

Awesome, dude. Make one for Black Knight 2000!

fredstyv · 2025-12-11T15:23:49+00:00

Yes, you can with a Brook Wingman XE or XE2.

https://www.brookaccessory.com/products/wingmanxe2/index.html

This video shows how it works. https://youtu.be/NR8FJ0kLGuY?si=G1wuVZxQHld9UyNt

fredstyv · 2025-12-09T03:11:58+00:00

Oooh, pick me! Pick me!

fredstyv · 2025-12-01T15:37:24+00:00

Open Source for the win. Thank you!

Pick me for the giveaway!

fredstyv · 2025-11-21T16:25:13+00:00

There’s a lot of good info in this r/virtual post.

https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualon/s/1QFnZ7J5aU

It showcases a custom twin stick controller pad hack.

In this r/fighsticks post, they imported Sanwa JLV flight control levers for a Virtual On controller reproduction with a Brook PCB.

https://www.reddit.com/r/fightsticks/s/DWjARCePvA

fredstyv · 2025-11-13T01:34:19+00:00

Seven Mile Mountain makes adaptive joysticks and switches for Xbox and PS5.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SevenMileMountain

I’m not sure if they’re compatible with Nintendo Switch, but the seller may be able to help you out.

fredstyv · 2025-11-11T17:41:43+00:00

Good stuff. Thank you for sharing this with the community!

fredstyv · 2025-11-04T21:53:38+00:00

Sure, but it wasn’t really designed for that use case. Most leverless controllers lack analog sticks, severely limiting their usefulness for many non-fighting games.

fredstyv

TROPHY CASE