Hardware DSi joystick DIY, D-pad to joystick

[k66]

DSi joystick DIY, D-pad to joystick.

.
Some time ago, I bought a fascinating joystick called the 'zero-resistance switch type'(无阻值开关型摇杆, 8RMB($1.15)each) .
It's 8-directional and can replace the D-pad. After testing it for a while, it feels pretty good.
(click on the image to view the original)

.
Various attempts to install a joystick on the DSi.
The movable mechanism was very unreliable and difficult to manufacture. After making a few prototypes, I gave up.

Try installing the joystick in other fixed positions..
I think installing the joystick in the lower left corner of the top screen is the perfect position. Simple 2-piece joystick bracket won't interfere with the volume buttons. However, the joystick's wiring is somewhat complex, and the top screen casing isn't very sturdy, so prolonged use of the joystick may cause the casing to crack.

Installing the joystick in the upper left corner of the framework is least damaging to the DSi and feels the best.
Bracket made using the box of DS game cart, stuck it onto the DSi case with double-sided tape. (Tested and very reliable)

.
Final version DSi joystick

Here is the step-by-step process.
Be careful when using a soldering iron and making cuts.
Materials needed:
1. Zero-resistance switch-type joystick
2. 0.3mm (or 0.55mm) jumper wire
3. DS game cartridge box
4. Double-sided tape, I used 3M 9495LE (300LSE)
5. Soldering iron and other soldering materials
6. Utility knife and file

Steps: (click on the image to view the original)
1. Cut the pins of the joystick (the joystick's wiring is very fragile, so be very careful and slow when cutting the pins).

Disassemble DSi and use jumper wires to connect the joystick and the D-pad.

2. Make a joystick bracket using an DS game cartridge box. Cut the box, then attach double-sided tape.
Top bracket:

Lower bracket:
It needs to be bent. Then, stick double-sided tape on the parts of the bracket that touch the DSi casing and the joystick.

3. Modify the DSi case.
Remove the ribs on the side of the DSi framework (ensure it does not interfere with the joystick wire):

Use a file to grind grooves on the DSi lower case that correspond to the position of the DSi framework:

Grind the DSi front bezel (ensure it does not interfering with the joystick bracket):

4. Assembly completed!

.
.
.
Made another one.

 

[Greninji88]

Nice!! Do you think that, with lots of refining and trying out different sticks, the joy stick could replace the D-Pad (as in be inside the shell) and become something like the 3DS's circle pad?

 

[k66]

Nice!! Do you think that, with lots of refining and trying out different sticks, the joy stick could replace the D-Pad (as in be inside the shell) and become something like the 3DS's circle pad?

All of this is based on a ‘zero-resistance switch-type joystick’.
My goals are:
- Preserve the D-pad functionality
- Keep the cost low, can be made with simple materials, no 3D printing required
- Minimize damage to the DSi
.
.
The space inside the DSi is very limited, making it impossible to install built-in joysticks without major modifications.
Even the size of sticks like those on the PSP and 3DS. And an analog stick cannot be directly connected to a D-pad; a conversion circuit is required. (I feel that the Circle Pad slider like the 3DS or PSP doesn't feel as good as a real joystick)

There are only a very few 8-directional 'switch-type' micro sticks on the market, most are 4-directional.
This is ALPS SSAF420200 Slide Operation Type Stick Switch, can be installed inside the DSi, it has 8 directions but 8 different switches. So after connecting the D-pad, it actually only has 4 directions.


The conclusion is that there are no other choices.

 

[Greninji88]

All of this is based on a ‘zero-resistance switch-type joystick’.
My goals are:
- Preserve the D-pad functionality
- Keep the cost low, can be made with simple materials, no 3D printing required
- Minimize damage to the DSi

The space inside the DSi is very limited, making it impossible to install built-in joysticks without major modifications.

Makes sense, thanks for documenting the project too! Best of luck on your next project

 

[ChronoCrossfangirl2002]

This is really impressive yet really terrifying at the same time

 

[KIlly728]

Oh, now you have me thinking.

I wonder if you could get away with replacing the D-pad with that thumbstick. You should be able to cut the D-pad off the original power board's PCB, square hole in the shell where the D-pad sat, and punch a hole in the top shell, deleting the Wifi antenna and shifting the left speaker up to act as a recess for the stick.

Very rough measurements with a Joy-Con say it would be close. Would it look good? Probably not, but hey, it would be one of a kind

 

[k66]

Oh, now you have me thinking.

I wonder if you could get away with replacing the D-pad with that thumbstick. You should be able to cut the D-pad off the original power board's PCB, square hole in the shell where the D-pad sat, and punch a hole in the top shell, deleting the Wifi antenna and shifting the left speaker up to act as a recess for the stick.

Very rough measurements with a Joy-Con say it would be close. Would it look good? Probably not, but hey, it would be one of a kind

I tried drilling a hole in the top cover, but the round hole looks ugly and a bit scary.
Later, I switched to square holes and covered them with plastic panels.
.
Please see #3 for my modification goals. I want everyone to be able to easily modify it.