Use A Raspberry Pi Pico as a HID [Gamepad, Keyboard, Mouse, and Multimedia]

The Raspberry Pi Pico is a super flexible board! Today I'll show you how to make it work as a USB Gamepad, USB Keyboard, USB Mouse, and more!

00:00 Introduction
00:30 PCBWay!
01:17 The Design
02:25 Assembly
04:53 Demonstration
07:05 Code Walkthru and Installation
14:54 Conclusion

Resources for this build

CircuitPython for Raspberry Pi Pico

CircuitPython Library Collection

PicoCader Github (Source files, PCB Files, etc)

3D Printed Parts

5 Pin Sanwa Clone Joystick

24mm Arcade Buttons

USB Mini to USB B Cable

OLED Display

Really into retro games and tech? Check out my retro channel!

Want to help support future builds and get first access to new designs? Check out my Patreon

[PrintNPlay]

Check out this awesome robot arcade with controls based around this project!

[RickMunday]

Your "mode select" is one of the things that eluded me last year (code wise) when I was working on something similar, but for radio control. I wanted to have a mode toggle depending on which radio it is operating. That is absolutely brilliant!

[davidg]

Pretty clever. If you're not an arcade purist, you can add a secondary version of each mode that includes a press-and-hold function to make the buttons turbo.
Despite having seen multiple Pico tutorials, yours is the first that really shows how easy it is to register inputs. Perhaps it's time to actually start that MIDI controller I've always thought of!

[adambrassard]

Love the turtle green and turtle shell brown base. Amazing work on the design and thought. I'm always impressed by the designs and considerations for wiring space.

Very cool project and thanks for sharing!

[kayleenamanda]

Ahhh such nostalgia! I think I know what we are playing with this weekend.

[dhYT]

_Translator:_
It's a great project. I'm waiting for Pico and will make a DB9>USB adapter.

[MitchD]

It would be nice to have the joy stick function as an analog joystick as well, maybe add a trackball so FPS games are more playable. I also think it would be nice to be able to map buttons using the onboard display with a "record" mode.

[gggg-bkmd]

your videos are very illustrative and well done ... I love them! 👍congrats!!

[canwebotit]

I tried and rewatch the video five time. But I am stuck at 14:54 because Window keep understanding my RP2040 as a usb key.
Must we have a Raspberry Pi Pico for the code to work ? ( I am on a Seeed Xiao RP2040)

[rae]

Awesome work! We also have the new turtles game, your video made me want to try it again on my fight stick though!

[-someone-.]

All your videos are awesome! Video editing, music, audio, information, detailed close ups....everything! Thanks 👊

[SirRob]

Another awesome video with a cool project. One of these days I'll get around to building a full arcade cabinet from scratch and I'm gonna toss so many rPi Picos into that dang thing lol

[Fluxrat]

I really like the idea. I wonder if you could get those bluetooth chatpads for the dualsense running with the pico. Would be amazing.

[ineedclosure]

Hey, I'm really struggling with getting code to work. I've copied directly from the description. Any thoughts?

Specifically the gamepad object.

[datagod]

I am so jealous of your soldering skills. I have several burned out pieces of kit due to my lack of ability.

[morbidjin]

I was looking for this! Nicely done. Will you ever make the PCB schematic available for download?

[eminentbadge]

Hi, I was wondering if the Pico can be used to make a wired/wireless gamepad...
Like 2 Arduino joystick modules with a Pico?

Also, can the project be made wireless with a pi pico w?

[adamjensen]

Can you use picoboot as a two player hid

[wric]

Console support? ps3 ps4 xbox switch etc?

[bleurenard]

Hi!

I found your video very interesting because I’d like to recreate the IVARIO for Farming Simulator 22, and I’d like to do it with a Raspberry Pi 5 or Pico. I came across your video, and my question is: how can I configure the buttons with vJoy and Joystick Gremlin?

Have a great evening!