Programmable Switch Controller

March 2020

Status: Completed

This project is a modified Nintendo Switch controller wired to an Arduino to create repeatable gameplay. It utilizes shift registers to control all of the available buttons which is coordinated with programmable button inputs via a Java GUI. It can change the state of each button at each frame of gameplay in order to achieve frame perfect input.

Purpose of the project

For many other consoles, similar devices exist, but it does not for the Nintendo Switch. I decided it would be an interesting challenge to ascertain out how to interface with a controller in a repeatable and programmable fashion. Taking on this project would provide valuable circuit analysis and debugging skills as analyzing a Switch controller was integral to the success of the project.

Initial tests of the program playing Mario. The LEDs on the bottom of the video indicate which buttons are being pressed.

Outcome

After completion of this project, I now have proficiency in:

Shift Registers

Serial Communication

Debugging and Analyzing Existing Circuits

Java GUIs

The output of the project was reliable and repeatable. As demonstrated in the videos, it works flawlessly with any game on the Nintendo Switch. Throughout the project I learned valuable skills in debugging existing circuits as I had to modify a Switch controller and wire it to an Arduino. I also had to use the Serial communication interface in order to communicate between the Java program and the Arduino.

Steps

Modify Switch Controller

The first step was to analyze a Switch controller to see how it registers each button push. After finding a feasible way to modify the controller in order to take signals from the Arduino, I was then able to send any button push desired. Next, a Serial interface was set up on the Arduino side in order to accept commands from the Java program.

Create Programming Interface

Lastly, a program was written in order to easily program and test different sequences of button pushes. By using a Serial interface library, the program was able to send out the correct button pushes with the correct timing. The program features an easy to use table that makes creating frame-perfect programs possible.