This NES mod is really a prototype at this point. I put some backlit graphics into the face of the controller.
The nice thing about this mod is you can make absolutely whatever graphics you want. Unfortunately I can't find a good way to make nice cuts in the original bezel, so I make it entirely new with the graphics encorporated. They are lit from within the controller by LEDs inserted into two pieces of mirrored finish acryllic, sandwiched together with the top piece laser cut to match the graphics above. Excue the left side, I smeared glue and ink around on accident! Further touches may include things like paint jobs, or possibly colored resin cast molds of the controller, I'm not sure yet. I need to figure out a way to make the inside cuts of the new bezel, doing it by hand with an xacto isn't fun or pretty. There is some light leakage where the grapics are on gray background, I already have easy fix for that. Other minor stuff. If I can streamline the creation process I may sell these, otherwise I'll just make about 10 or so of the big franchises (Mega Man, Metroid, Mario, Airwolf).
This SNES mod is designed to allow me to use the controller on an NES. I prefer the SNES controller feel over the orginal NES, but I hate the angle of the similar Dogbone NES controller.
Cord splicing to accomplish this is nothing new, but I really wanted to take advantage of the L, R, X, A buttons that otherwise do nothing. I added a 4 pole double throw switch and did a little soldering work to the PCB. When the button on top of the controller is in the down position, the L acts as a secondary Select, and the R as another Start. I really like this for a few games that require their usage during gameplay, so I don't have to take my thumb off A or B ever. The outside X and A act as a reversed B and A, in case you ever want that, but I just did that for the heck of it. I drew up a 3D model on Tinkercad of a nice housing to encase where the wires are spliced and had it printed at Shapeways, as well as a small square gromit to surround the button on the top of the controller. I may add a couple LEDs, red and purple, to light up when it's in NES or SNES mode (just not sure how yet without a 6 pole switch, which doesn't fit well at all in the controller). Soon I will do this to my Hori Super Commander, but the housing cost $20 to print so I am going to make about 20 more by resin cast using this one to cast the mold.
Big thanks to my neighbor Logan R. for showing me how to make the SNES controller mod possible!
