About two months ago @Branchus streamed building the SMC Idle Hands Micro Joystick, so some of you may remember the build. It’s an extremely compact paddle controller that gives you everything you need to play Arkanoid, Pong!, and similar games... and nothing you don’t. Watch the stream here (jump to around 1:25:39):
I really like many of the original Apple and CH joysticks, but those vintage controllers keep getting more expensive. For people who don’t collect vintage hardware and just want to try the experience, buying everything can be a poor value. The Idle Hands Micro Joystick matches the feel of stock controllers while being very small and space-friendly, so I can recommend it for anyone wanting authentic paddle-style controls without breaking the bank.
Branchus’s new video also covers both the paddle and the joystick — a great overview if you want to see them in action:
More about my thoughts and build log: https://www.kerosmm.com/post/idle-hands-micro-joystick
My store (kits and parts): https://en.infinityproducts.co.jp/shop-1
A quick assembly note: building the joystick and paddle is not difficult, but adjusting the joystick’s capacitance takes a bit of technique at first. I recommend starting by soldering only the 220 nF capacitors on the X and Y axes, and leaving the other capacitors unsoldered. You can test different values by simply holding each capacitor in place without soldering; it will still function well enough to check the range and decide which value works best.
- Kay Koba
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