Summary

Build your own classic arcade game controller! Perfect for a retro arcade game console such as RetroPie.

There are a number of arcade joystick "kits" available from eBay and others, direct from China for cheap. I purchased the kit pictured above from Banggood for $18.20 with free shipping. The kit I used can be found by searching for "Game DIY Arcade Set Kits Replacement Parts USB Encoder to PC Joystick and Buttons". Higher quality components can also be found elsewhere, e.g., Adafruit.

The USB encoder mounts inside the case with M2 x 8mm screws. The joystick mounts to the cover, and cover to the case with M4 x 10mm machine screws and hex nuts.

The case is 200 mm wide, which may not be printable if your print bed width is set to exactly 200 mm in your firmware. Most 200 mm heat beds are actually a little wider (e.g., 214 mm), so consider increasing the dimensions of your print area to > 205 mm before printing the case.

I've also included the SketchUp file, in case modifications are required for slightly different button and joystick dimensions.