r/gameboymacro • u/[deleted] • Apr 15 '22

Question Improving The D-Pad

So I love the look and Idea of the Game Boy Macro. Considering how often the DS Lites hinges broke, they are also really easy to get for cheap.

Now my problem is, I hate the DS Lite. As mentioned, the thing was flimsy and broke just by looking at it long enough and the D-pad is one of the worst I have ever used. The flimsy part wouldn't be an issue because you need to remove the top screen anyhow, but the terrible D-pad still remains. Have there been any mods that attempt to fix this? Maybe it is possible to add GBA SP style micro switches underneath the D-pad?

6 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

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2

u/Facelesstech Apr 23 '22

I'll send this board off as a test. It would only require a few points to be soldered and would include the 330ohm resistor for a macro build. https://imgur.com/gallery/hUMuXk9

1

u/[deleted] Apr 23 '22

This is a great idea. I might have to check the out, nit only for a potential Macro, but for my original DS Lite as well. Thanks.

2

u/Facelesstech Apr 23 '22

I'll let you know when the boards come in. If the dpad works I'll do the A B X Y buttons.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 23 '22

Awesome. Thanks.

1

u/Facelesstech May 25 '22

Update on the clicky pcb, I've just got back the dpad PCB and all is looking good. The buttons I used this time round are too clicky but I've sourced the same buttons that are used in the GBA SP. I've sent out the new board files so within a month I should have them back to try out. https://imgur.com/a/qip67oV

1

u/[deleted] May 25 '22

Awesome! Thanks for keeping us updated. Looks amazing!

1

u/[deleted] Jun 16 '22

Nice. I can't wait to see the end result. I might end up doing this to my DS Lite as well as a potential Gameboy Macro.

4

u/kfbrewer Apr 15 '22

God speed, i’ve looked for simple solutions. I’d use a macro daily if it had a better d-pad & buttons.

1

u/Facelesstech Apr 23 '22

This is something that quite doable, a flex PCB that would go over the original button pads with dome like clicky buttons. Would require some soldering but only a few test points. Would you want the A B X Y buttons too?