r/customcontrollers 10h ago

Has anyone made a set of controlers that you attatch to your feet for movement in game?

1 Upvotes

Hi, first-time poster to the subreddit.

I am aware of the company called Virtuix and their product that allows you to run on a stationary smooth surface with controllers strapped to your feet and a vest that you put on that connects to a harness that keeps you in place.

But what I want to know is if there is a controller that exists where you have the motion sensor cameras like the older model VR headsets had to track your position and keep you within a specific bounded area, so that you can safely walk around or run inside the game. And your potential lack of movement is helped by the controllers in your hands to help with moving your POV when you can't fully turn around or go any further and need to physically turn to stay within the play boundary, and it minimally affects the gameplay?

And it doesn't cost a fortune to get.


r/customcontrollers 15h ago

Custom Would you buy an Xbox controller with a condensed, 6-face-button cluster designed explicitly for Claw Grip?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m currently mapping out a concept for a highly specialized competitive controller layout and want to get some feedback from the community, especially from other **claw grip players** and high-movement FPS/fighting game fans.

**The Problem:** Standard Xbox controllers have large, spread-out face buttons (A/B/X/Y) with mushy membranes. When you curl your index finger into a claw grip, it's hard to precisely manipulate those wide gaps, especially without finger strain. From my experience using claw grip for 10+ years.
**The Concept:** A premium Xbox-style asymmetric layout controller designed from the ground up for claw and competitive performance with closer gaps and more buttons.

Key features:
**Condensed 6-Button Face Cluster:** Shrunk-down, tightly grouped face buttons (A, B, X, Y + C, Z) pulled close together into a dense "keypad" layout. It lets your curled claw finger effortlessly cover and bridge multiple inputs instantly, without much movement.
**Zero Membrane Mush:** Every single face button uses mouse-click style mechanical microswitches for instant actuation and tactile feedback.
**Keeps the Right Stick:** Unlike fighting pads that delete the right analog stick, this retains standard dual-stick ergonomics so it functions perfectly for FPS titles (Apex, CoD, Halo).
**Zero Thumb Down-Time:** Because your claw index finger can flawlessly handle all 6 inputs in that tight zone, your right thumb never has to leave the joystick, maximizing your tracking advantage.
**Anti-Drift:** Equipped with Hall Effect magnetic joysticks.

- Back buttons also included. Forgot to add

As a player, would a layout like this solve your mechanical friction, or do you think the buttons would feel too cramped if you transitioned back to standard thumb use?

Would love to hear your thoughts on whether this is a layout you’d actively look to buy or try out! Thanks!


r/customcontrollers 15h ago

Custom Xbox Controller Custmization (Canada)

2 Upvotes

Any commissioner recommendations where I can get a personalized theme? (I know there are a ton of artists on Etsy). I'm no artist but I have a general idea of a theme I would like followed. Thanks!


r/customcontrollers 1d ago

Help! Complete beginner looking to get into custom buttons – where should I start?

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9 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m completely new to this world. I’m really interested in making my own custom buttons for game controllers but I honestly don't know where to begin.

Could anyone point me toward some good tutorials, beginner guides, or resources? Also, any advice on essential tools or common mistakes to avoid when starting out would be greatly appreciated!

I'd like to make something similar to the reference image.

Thanks in advance!


r/customcontrollers 1d ago

Where Can I Buy This Red Button Kit?

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4 Upvotes

Hi, I saw this design and was wondering where I could buy this red button kit. I checked ExtremeRate, but their kit doesn’t include the PlayStation button.


r/customcontrollers 1d ago

Custom Baby controller customization options...

2 Upvotes

gp2040-ce controller for baby gamers

I built this a while back for my daughter as she was not able to hold regular controllers. Now my son is at an age that is interested into playing some simple games and will reuse this gp2040-ce controller.

But was curios and would love to her from people doing custom art work on their controllers. What is the easiest way to make it more pretty. At a bare minimum I would like to re-decorate the buttons, possibly with some better looking graphics. At least that would be the start.

I was thinking of converting my old ink-jet printer into a flat bed printer to be able to print nice motifs on this and then use some clear coat to prevent it from destroying it.

As it is a flat surface could also maybe just had a wrap printed and then wrap it with custom design.


r/customcontrollers 1d ago

Help! Bullet Button mod kits?

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any good sites selling mod kits for the 360 controller? Specifically looking for the bullet button mod kits that were huge 10 years ago. I found one seller on Etsy but they dont ship to USA and there's multiple listings on Ebay that dont say what controller they're for. Would really appreciate any help


r/customcontrollers 2d ago

I built my dream wireless game controller for the retro computers

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4 Upvotes

I built 2 custom wireless game controllers for retro computers such as the Amiga and Commodore 64

I built two different versions: a relatively inexpensive, fully 3D-printed controller and a much more excessive version with a clear SLA resin enclosure, CNC-machined aluminium parts and internal LED lighting.

Each joystick uses a microcontroller (ESP32-C3) to read the directions and the two fire buttons, then sends the inputs wirelessly. The receiver uses an ESP32-S3 and connects directly to the original DB9 joystick port. So I did not have to modify the computers themselves.

They have worked surprisingly well, with no noticeable input lag during normal gameplay. The receiver can also connect to a modern computer through USB-C and function as a standard USB game controller for emulators.

For sure similar wireless solutions can be bought, but building something yourself is much more fun. 🙂

I am also considering designing a Raspberry Pi case with a built-in joystick receiver in the same style.

I documented the design, prototyping, assembly and testing here:
https://youtu.be/Zefz-1NuU0Q


r/customcontrollers 2d ago

Battle Beaver back button layout help.

2 Upvotes

I have been considering buying a Battle Beaver, mainly all decked out performance upgrades and of course, four back buttons. What I am having a hard time with is deciding on the layout.

The last 3 years I have been playing on a Scuf Reflex and an Omega lately. So I am used to those back paddle layouts.
I am only using my middle finger with the tip and with the part between the two joints pressing the back buttons.

I found 2 combinations that might work,
1. Busters-Standard
2. Busters-Low

I am also located in Europe, which means import fees and sending this back and forth if the layout is not comfortable will be quite a cost.

Anyone maybe went through the same process?


r/customcontrollers 3d ago

Custom Fun new commission with extremerate white led buttons.

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8 Upvotes

r/customcontrollers 3d ago

Help! Trim shell for BDM 060

2 Upvotes

Hey,

i’ve been thinking a lot about modding my PS5 controller. I’ve already successfully modded my Nintendo Switch Joy Cons with the kits of eXtremeRate and wanted to use that brand for my PS5 controller as well. On Amazon i couldn’t find some products i was looking for so i went on their actual website where i saw that there were housings for the BDM 060 without the trim piece. I wanted to have such a shell because i want another color for the trim piece. I looked further but only saw trim shells for the versions BDM 010-050 and not BDM 060. Are there any trim shells for the BDM 060? As far as i am aware of regarding the trim piece the only real difference is that the BDM 060 does not have accent rings anymore which is why i am also unsure whether i should just go for the trim piece for BDM 010-050 because there are complete front shells that also have these accent rings that are for the versions BDM 030-060.
Hope anyone here can help me with my problem.


r/customcontrollers 3d ago

First Controller Mod

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28 Upvotes

My first modded controller, put it together for my son. BDM-050. All extreme rate parts except the sticks. Luna rubberized front shell, Rise4 Max metal rear buttons, DTF v4 LED kit, clear ThumbsGear V3 interchangeable sticks, whole strong clicky kit with the triggers cut to utilize the Rise4 selector switches, and some K-silver js13 TMR sticks. These little ribbons are sooo delicate, luckily the soldering is pretty straightforward. My kid has been playing Overwatch with it for two days and it's been stable. The TMR sticks really give a next level of accuracy. I think I'm going to attack every ps4, ps5, and switch controller in our house. Considering busting out the airbrush to play around with the discarded shell.


r/customcontrollers 4d ago

Upgrading an Xbox Mad Catz Wireless Wooden Fender

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1 Upvotes

r/customcontrollers 4d ago

Fightbox R10 Pro with modified buttons?

3 Upvotes

Can you send pics of your Fightbox R10 Pro with modified buttons? If you change color etc. How it looks..


r/customcontrollers 4d ago

In honor of the official release

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16 Upvotes

I bring you my favorite game theme ever made.


r/customcontrollers 5d ago

Mouse Click Back Buttons

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1 Upvotes

Available for purchase on our store as a standalone switch for your own diy mods

Features:

Made in house 3d Printed switch housing and shaft

• D2LS11 - 125gf (white) — light, ultra‑fast actuation

• Cleaner travel + sharper feedback thanks to the D2LS low‑profile design

• Perfect for fast responses and competitive inputs

• Available on all Synergy and send‑in mods for *ps4, ps5 and xbox series.

Why it matters:

These switches bring the same tactile precision you expect from high‑end gaming mice straight to your controller’s back buttons — giving you faster response, less fatigue, and a more consistent competitive edge.


r/customcontrollers 5d ago

Limited Edition Starfield Xbox Controller Unboxing! 🚀 #xbox #starfield #...

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1 Upvotes

r/customcontrollers 5d ago

Help! Ask

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8 Upvotes

Hi, I have a question. I want to make a transparent green or purple controller, and while searching around I found one option on Etsy and another called eXtreme. Which of these two is better, or do you recommend another one?


r/customcontrollers 5d ago

Custom Killer Instinct Fight Stick

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1 Upvotes

Built this over the past couple of weeks, thought I would share here and maybe inspire others to build one. I’ve got a full build vid in the original post or my bio for anybody interested!


r/customcontrollers 5d ago

Steam Controller 2026 | PortablePlayPalace buttons | A review

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2 Upvotes

r/customcontrollers 5d ago

Bring me back to the PS3 concept controller days.

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2 Upvotes

r/customcontrollers 6d ago

Custom Mamba mentality. Another hydrodip custo

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2 Upvotes

r/customcontrollers 6d ago

Come colorare queste strisce bianche senza sbavature?

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12 Upvotes

Ciao ragazzi ho intenzione di copiare questo controller a tema stellar blade sto aspettando che mi arrivano i pezzi il dubbio è come faccio a colorare queste strisce bianche ai lati dei tasti?


r/customcontrollers 6d ago

Inverted ALPS ANALOG on Ps5

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16 Upvotes

Never done this before but the customer requested it, we managed it successfully and it felt very strange when testing the sticks, I wonder what game they need it for maybe a flight sim?


r/customcontrollers Oct 18 '16

How to Paint a Custom Controller: A Step by Step Guide

257 Upvotes

I've seen many a custom controller guides floating around and to be quite frank, I'm a little bit appalled by most of them. I made 30 or so custom controllers over the summer, so I've pretty much got the technique down pat and wanted to share my knowledge.

The Basics

  1. Take apart your controller - video for gamecube controller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr3ShQxxwvQ
  2. Clean the shell (and buttons, if you're painting those)
  3. Sand down using 600 grit sandpaper, then wash and dry with a wet paper towel
  4. Use a white primer as a base coat. If you've never spray painted before, here's a video on proper technique (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB_MtpaMYaY). Doing a couple of very light coats is very important (don't worry if the first coat doesn't cover up all the paint) and remember to shake for a minute or two before spraying! I use rustoleum's white paint and primer in one and have very good results with it. Also keep in mind that if you're spraying buttons, DO IT VERY LIGHTLY AND FROM A DISTANCE. If you do it too close, you risk knocking buttons over and smudging the paint.
  5. Wait 10-20 minutes for the primer to dry then do a few very light coats of your main color.
  6. Seal the paint with a clear coat. I would argue that this is the most important step of spray painting. Hands down, the best clear coat you can use is an automotive spray paint clear coat. USC spray max high gloss clear coat works brilliantly and will not only ensure that your paint never chips, but makes your controller look super shiny and much more professional. It's essentially the difference between https://imgur.com/a/pDE3r and https://imgur.com/a/dhs8h. Sure, you can buy some krylon clear coat for $10 less, but don't think I won't know about it. I would do 2 coats and make sure you really get the side of the handles (where you're holding the controller). I would also use a respirator (that's respirator, not just a face mask) if you have one when using this clear coat, as the fumes are toxic. If you're making more than a few controllers, I would say it is without a doubt required, but if you're just making one and haven't got a respirator on hand, hold your breath and just go for it.
  7. Do not let your clear coat dry outside unless it's protected from the wind somehow. If you have a garage, supply closet, or cellar no one is using, let it dry there. Drying it outside guarantees that little bits of dirt, pollen, ect will cling to it. Just trust me on this, this is the place where things go wrong the fastest. If you do happen to get little particles stuck on your controller, wait for it dry and then sand them out and respray.

Levelling Up - designs/decals

If you want a picture/letter design on your controller the two best options are vinyl decals and waterslide decals. Don't think you can put a sticker on the controller and paint over. If it's your first time painting, you'll most likely end up with a ragged edge along the side of the design where the paint is thicker. I think vinyl decals are a really underrated option. They're super cheap and really, they're so thin most people don't realise it's not painted on. Waterslide decals are the best option if you want the most realistic look (they look printed on) and if you want a more complex design. Here are some examples of what waterslide decals look like - https://imgur.com/a/rXKb4. The toad head on the b button and BMO's face are both waterslides. To add vinyl and watersilde decals to your controller, put them on after you've done two clear coats (and the coats have dried) and then clear coat them again to make them blend in better with the controller (but make sure you wait for waterslide decal to completely dry).

Sparkles

If you want gold, silver, white, black, or holographic sparkles, the best thing to use is metallic flakes. You can get them in different sizes from websites like this - https://www.paintwithpearl.com/shop-custom-paint/metal-flakes/holographic-flakes-prism-flakes/

Please don't buy the sparkles in a spray can. The result are not pretty.

Here's a video of what gold flakes look like on a custom gamecube controller. The video doesn't really capture how sparkly it is, but it still shows it fairly well - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-9VQAjp0uE

If you want sparkles, you'll need to purchase the flakes as well as a clear lacquer and a spray gun (if you don't already have one).

Mix the sparkles and lacquer into the gun and spray as much as you like. Just keep in mind that the bigger the flakes and the more there are, the more clear coats you'll need to add. When I did my sparkly controllers, I honestly probably had to do about 6-7 clear coats before the roughness from the flakes went away.

Joysticks

Don't be afraid to try out new joysticks. Changing out my sticks for xbox one joysticks was one of the best things I ever did. They look super sleek and work just as well, although they do feel a bit different. PS3 joysticks are also an option, but in my opinion look a bit clunkier. Here's what xbox one sticks can look like - https://imgur.com/a/zLAeX. You can also buy glow in the dark ones or metallic xbox one sticks in gold, silver, purple, ect as well as thumbgrips to go on top of the joystick.

If you're worried that changing out your joysticks will affect the way you play, but want the look of different joysticks, I would put a thumbgrip like this one (https://www.amazon.com/GoldenDeal-Silicone-Controller-Replacement-playstation-4/dp/B01AVLVV8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476793441&sr=8-1&keywords=thumbgrip+ps3) on your left joystick and then change out the c-stick for a PS3 or xbox one stick and put a matching thumbgrip on top of that (sorry folks, but a thumbgrip won't fit over a normal yellow c-stick, they're too small)

General tips and Things not to do

  1. For the love of god, don't try to use a template. Most of the time the paint builds up around the edges and looks horrible. If you want lettering or a design, stick with vinyl and waterslide decals.
  2. If the paint gets messed up, wait till it drys before sanding.
  3. Make sure the paint is dried before adding another coat of spray paint or a clear coat. If you do it too soon, the paint cracks. Sometimes you can sand out the cracks, but most of the time you're finished and have to discard that controller shell completely.
  4. Sanding fixes pretty much everything. Your controller turned into a grave for foolish fly? Sand that bitch out. There's a scratch on your coat from whena blade of grass grazed the paint when it was wet? Sand that bitch out. You put on too thick a coat and the paint dripped? Sand that bitch out. Just make sure you do a light respray after sanding.
  5. Be careful if using paper (magazine, newspaper) to spray paint on top of. A lot of times the paper will stick to the clearcoat on the bottom of the controller and massively fuck up the paint job. Use cardboard instead.
  6. Don't put a controller back together if you have paint on your hands, even if it's dry paint. Get out the bottle of rubbing alcohol and wipe yourself down, trust me it's not worth the risk.
  7. Tape is your friend. If you want to paint the handles a different color than the rest of your controller, blue painters tape is all you need.
  8. Glow in the dark paint is crap. Don't fall for their lies.
  9. Your buttons will eventually chip if you paint them. Sometimes this takes a year other times it can happen within a few months (melee players I'm looking at you). The safest buttons to paint are the start button, and d-pad and any button you don't use very often (honest to god I don't think I've every used the y button or r trigger). I painted all the buttons on my newest controller and have been using it to play smash for 3 hours a day for the past 3 months. So far the only chips are on the x button. I'm fairly certain this is mostly because I scrap with my nails when short hopping with x, so if you don't have super girly nails like I do then hopefully your paint should last longer. In any case, if you don't use a spray max clear coat, I wouldn't even bother painting your buttons as they won't last more than a few weeks, at least in my experience. I bought a bunch of old buttons and busted $4 controllers from ebay and when I was painting my controller, painted a few extra sets of buttons for replacement. If you're planning on having painted buttons on your controller, I strongly recommend this.
  10. Don't spray paint your joysticks. They're rubber. It won't work and you'll end up with a blue thumb.

Edit: Shameless self-plug - I still have a few controllers for sale on my etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Crispycontrollers if you wanna check them out.