Xbox Zero Arcade Pt 1

Let’s make a self-contained arcade machine out of old bits of kit, a spare Xbox pad and a Pi Zero!

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The Raspberry Pi Zero is tiny, ridiculously tiny. It’s also small enough to be hidden in a variety of household objects in order to enhance their capabilities. Whatever you can find to fit it in, you can turn into some kind of smart machine.

Take old game controllers. If you’re anything like us you’ve probably got a couple of boxes full of old computer equipment you just can’t bear to throw away – an Atari Jaguar that hasn’t been touched since the 90s, a Sega Dreamcast which you’re sure you’ll plug in again one day, an old Xbox that lies languishing since you picked up something bigger and better. Turns out it actually was useful to keep them around – it’s time to bring these old systems back to life.

We’re going to show you how to gut an old videogames controller, replace its innards with a Raspberry Pi Zero, and then load it up with a treasure trove of retro games. From start to finish, this project should take you under an hour to complete – and then you’ll be able to load up the ROMs you legally own on your new console and enjoy them from the comfort of your sofa.

01 Gather your equipment

While the Zero doesn’t take up much space, videogame controllers are often stuffed full of delicate electronics. The trick here is to find a games controller which has enough space inside for the Zero. We’re going to be using the original Xbox controller, nicknamed The Duke. If you don’t have one to hand, they can be picked up for a couple of quid from most second-hand electronics shops, and they’re easily found online too.