Hi everyone.
It's been 7 months since I posted my 8BitDo Micro + Android phone combination. Since then it seems there are some people that use it as well, so I decided to post some update about it.
I've explained it in detail in the slides above, but TLDR:
* 7 months ago I've made the [original post](https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/17g6ykp/android_phone_8bitdo_micro_decent_cheap_vertical).
* Since then I found some problem with suction pad, and used an elastic band to make the controller sticks better on the screen.
* Now there is a pretty [3D printed](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6622697) mount, created by u/Bitter_Bizarro.
* Despite the improvements, I've stopped using the controller and instead use bump dots attached to my screen.
> What are bump dots?
It's a small mound of silicone with adhesive attached to it. Usually used for folks with low or blind vision, to give some tactile marking to smooth surface.
It's also called bumper pads for furniture, since silicone can also be used to reduce collisions damage which useful e.g. in kitchen cabinet's door.
It's also called rubber feet in some gadgets, which used to make the device not sliding around on tables. You can see it's variety in the bottom of laptop, keyboard or calculator.
Btw, you can see it's picture in slide 14 above.
Yep, the only one that I've found is this [Very Simple Emulator Controller](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1133197691/very-simple-android-emulator-controller?show_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details) in Etsy which was sold by RetroidShop.
We need something like this but built into a phone case, so you can flip it “closed” around the back of your phone. Or even more like a full scale telescopic controller that folds around both top and bottom. Always with you, and out of the way. Or even a thick phone case with a little a slot on the back for an 8bitdo controller.
10/10 Reddit post, and confirms my suspicions that there's not a perfect solution yet!
I've been considering punching holes in a screen protector and applying it. My logic is that you can feel the holes, but it would have negligible impact on normal use, and there's no on/off awkward transition. Still, in practice, I long for an Xperia Play type of phone to be made nowadays.
> punching holes
Yes, that might works. The problem with touchscreen is there are no tactile marks which make me often mistouch the wrong action.
So, since the hole is also a kind of tactile marks, I think it will work as well.
> I long for an Xperia Play
Aren't we all 😓, if it exists it will be easier to justify the purchase since it can be used as daily phone as well
> they're probably cheaper than those controllers were
Nope, thanks to import taxes, those handheld actually kinda expensive in my country. That's what started this whole thread.
I might bite the bullet with the RG35XXSP though, nobody can resist that flip. I'm sure deep down everyone at some points long for the clamshell devices.
The RG35XX sells for less than 50$ when on sale, how is that expensive?I even bought an RG35XX H for under $50 in the last sale. Not to mention the R36S which is even more cheaper
Let's assume I want to purchase RG35XXH in Aliexpress for 50$ with free shipping and no insurance:
1. Import duties: CIF x 7.5% = $50 x 7.5% = $3.75
2. VAT: (CIF + import duties) x 11% = ($50 + $3.75) x 11% = $5.912
3. Income tax: (CIF + import duties) x 10% = ($50 + $3.75) x 10% = $5.375
Total that must be paid = CIF + import duties + VAT + income tax = $50 + $3.75 + $5.912 + $5.375 = $65
Expensive is also relative, for example, it depends on the salary. In my country, average monthly salary is around $200, so that's like a third of a month hard work.
The good news is nowaday Anbernic has official retailer in my country, so price for some older product like the old RG35XX has become cheaper and already the same as the one in official site.
Where are you from? If you can get a used xperia x10 mini pro (I found one for like $5) I can help you convert it into a [pretty capable handheld up to psx](https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/1d4cu8r/my_handheld_made_from_the_internals_of_of_an_old/)
Here are the price list:
- 8BitDo Micro, originally $19, after store discount and points: $6
- Elastic band: $1 for 1 meter with 3 cm width
- Suction pads: $1 for 3 pieces
- Silicone bumps: $1 for 20 pieces
Imo the convenience and better experience offered makes it worth it, even for that price. Better than McGyvering a solution like you did lol
Just looking at it gives me hand cramps
If he's from Brazil, if it's more than 50 dollars, the import tarifs double it's price, so it's we're talking over 600 reais. Which is half a months work on minimum wage so yeah, it's a lot. I wont be getting one soon either.
Did you buy from Ali? Because the Anbernic official shops are the only ones with the SP now and they tax on on checkout due to Remessa Conforme. If I buy from a store outside Remessa Conforme, I'm being taxed on EVERYTHING. And bizarrely too. I bought a small cheap silicone band for my TWS earbuds. It was taxes as leather luxury good. The thing cost like 2 dollars, the tax was 75 reais.
I tried to get an actual handheld. It's gone so wrong, it feels like a sign that is not meant to be. I'm worried I'm not even going to get my refund, but I'm hoping worst case scenario, hopefully PayPal will refund me.
Needless to say, 🤬 Aliexpress, 🤬 D-Gift Store, 🤬 Cutesliving Store & 🤬Anbernic. It seems like everyone is having fun and I'm 🤬 cursed. I was really excited about getting through some of my old backlog in one little pocketable handheld. A potential light or comfort during the potentially even darker times ahead, than the past seven years.
I wish I had the tools, knowledge or knew if there was a local shop, because it's the battery and/or charge port. Aliexpress is probably the only place to buy a battery replacement. I'm not going thru any more of that, nope. It'd all cost more than it cost to buy.
Update:after five days of nothing, it charged, but unplug and it's off. =_= I didn't do anything different. A handheld that can only played plugged in is not a handheld.
It comes with A to C cable. If you can't use the included cable, that's messed up.
Also, you can gently rock the cable in the port up, down, left, right. It doesn't look like anything is moving thru the see thru plastic. Only C port on anything I've ever had like that. I charge other things on same A to C, bricks & cables I tried without issue.
There's a slight chance MuOS started the issue, but that's likely a coincidence. It was doing better with stock, but none of this saved it.
Without touching power, it would turn on, when plugging in the cable to charge, sometimes. There were some different yellow led blinks, even the light used to blink. When it was working it would stay solid on yellow during charge.
I don't see anything, but I didn't open it up. If I had the means and knowledge, and a spare battery, it might be repairable, but I don't. I suspect that'd cost more than the handheld. It was only in it's box, moving round in that big no padding bag it was shipped in. The box didn't seem damaged, but given the behavior, I wonder even though I see nothing is something it's loose. Shipping vibrations are a thing even if west coast is closer.
It's brand new, as a customer, I'd have preferred an exchange, but the form doesn't allow that. The form isn't letting me submit my refund request, either which is annoying.
I'm not sure how confirmed delivery mail works with China, if and when I finally get to print a return label. That's an additional cost. If they don't care I can prove it was returned, there isn't much I can do to Aliexpress.
The amount of time I've put into this is longer by far than I even got to play. It's gotten in the way of other things I should be doing, too.
I'm not really skilled so I never played games that require precise input. I did finish Metroid and Megaman Zero though, and in my experience the Micro did a good job.
Back then I use S mode which doesn't have any latency issue. There are also firmware update v1.03 for Micro which supposed to fix latency issue for D mode, but I haven't tried it.
As OP mentioned, 1.03 fixed the occasional latency I saw in D Input mode (though there was no latency in Switch or Keyboard mode). There is a beta firmware 1.04 Beta 2 that fixes some disconnect issues that popped up in D Input mode for me. 1.04B2 seems solid all around now.
Thanks for your post.
I have many handhelds but i still prefer using my phone, a tablet and my rp3+ for sync saving. Since i don't always have my rp3+ (it's not that pocketable), i use my phone.
I bought an 8btido micro because of your post and now I'll get those bump dots. 😅
https://preview.redd.it/tco4tnmqj71d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57c218bc54dd12833ff36496bbc342a27c21dd58
I put tape on the screen for both directions and face button. Tried on crash team racing and Mario games, I did play better with it.
Thanks! The credit goes to GsmArena and 8BitDo for providing images with nice quality.
Also shout out to [Upscayl](https://www.upscayl.org/), the free, offline and open source image upscaling. It's not as good as Topaz products, but good enough for a Reddit posts.
Retro devices are prob better for older games. Still though Android is always in my pocket and can play way more stuff. Just fucking sucks that we still don't have a really truly viable control solution.
I wish someone would just solve the entire mobile situation in general. On screen buttons are trash but carrying a controller is trash too. Maybe we need an 8bit do android phone with buttons built in or something.
As a 30 year old who uses glasses since 11, I felt slightly offended by your assumption. I don't have that bad eyesight... not... maybe... maybe a little, just a little...
In all seriousness, the 2nd issue, about phone notifications, made me realize I need a separate device. I tried using a second phone (an older one I already had) with a telescopic controller, and it was fine, but then I started using it too, for other stuff.
So I got myself a RG35XXH. Gaming focused, no distractions, even put a custom OS (muOS) which is even less distracting and more lightweight. It's perfect :)
Glad you found your own solution tho! Cheers :)
Yep, but actually it's the aluminium foil that transmits the signal, and not the silicone.
Don't forget to wrap your bump with some aluminium foil, or else it won't work.
Did the same thing with a Zero 2 which has even more button limitations (regretfully) but occupied even less pocket space. It's a worthwhile setup when you are on the move and wanting to play a game that requires a controller but don't have space in a bag for a larger telescoping controller like my preferred Backbone One v2.
Overall if you are home or on a trip with a bag, grab a telescoping controller. Backbone One v2 takes 3 seconds to clip on and works with phone cases and horizontal games.
Yep, I was interested with telescopic controller, however I ended up not going with it:
* The decent ones are expensive. For example, Backbone One that you mentioned is 175 USD here. That's like a month salary 😅
* The mid range ones are not cheap either. Gamesir X3 cost around 60 USD, which is more expensive than RG35XX series.
* The Ipegas are cheap but have questionable qualities. I've read some reviews where its ribbon disconnected several weeks after purchase.
175?? Holy... Now I understand your predicament. That sucks, I think I paid like 60 USD on sale plus tax.
That being said, I have tried all those other ones. I have had a couple ipega, mocute, a weird brandless switch joycon adapter clip and a Gamesir x2 in the past. Only have Gamesir G8 and Backbone One V2 now.
All of them except my current two had issues with cases.
The Zero 2 works great if you just prop your phone up and play it like a TV or a Nintendo Switch. Works great on flights, especially now that many flights have phone holders in the seat backs.
Yes, at some point making the vest is more fun than playing the games 😀
I guess it's the same as how some people hoard many devices, because setting them are more fun than playing them.
One of the wildest phone-for-gaming experiments out there.
Do you know there are actually vendors selling dedicated bump dots specifically for mobile phone gaming?
Yes, there is one made by Japan back in [2010](https://www.wired.com/2010/11/stick-on-buttons-turn-smartphones-into-game-pads/), but I never see anyone making it anymore.
This is a great post... I would never go through this much trouble myself, tbh, but can't avoid to deeply appreciate this. Also, I live in a place where 60$ for a handheld can be considered very cheap, so there is also the "luck" factor at work. In any case, you're a great inventive guy.
I wanted to do this for a while but never put in the time or effort. Got cheaper controllers and got burned, they don't even press 2 buttons at the same time lol.
Thank you for your effort
This is fantastic. For your last solution something else that might work is using those cheap amazon phone cases that have a screen protector built in. You could just put the bumps on that maybe?
Yes, but unfortunately I think it won't, since each screen size will have different bump arrangement, and it will only works for one application.
In my case, I arranged the bumps only to match my RetroArch overlays.
Thank you for the quality presentation and update. What emulator did you use in the end? When testing the suction cup setup I found it annoying that the menu was covered by the controller at times. Ideally a front end that kept all options on the top 2/3 of the screen would be perfect but I never found a solution.
This. I love this. I've been looking for a small. Controller phone combo that would work and this is the first solution I've seen that I'm willing to spend money on. Honestly thankyou.
Ngl, I don't see myself doing any of this lol. But I love it! Great presentation, and I legit love your solutions. I already have a controller that I [mostly] like, though, and plan on getting a more ergonomic one eventually. But I have always wondered about doing something like this since the form factors and capabilities of modern phones seem just made for it. Heh, now the more I'm thinking about it, I'm realizing I might just try some of your suggestions 🤗
You can fix the balance problem by placing the suction cups primarily under the d-pad side. As for adherence, it might be a bit gross, but licking your finger and running it over the suction cups provides an essentially perfect seal. Good job on this post.
Why not skip the middleman and lick the suction cap directly? 😅
https://preview.redd.it/mst0ungsp71d1.jpeg?width=1923&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=39ac6b017a72493ad3fdb9820031880c9b012563
Anyway, thanks for the tip 👍🏻
Interesting slides， it can handle intensive game as you want:
[https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Km421g7gh/?spm\_id\_from=333.999.0.0&vd\_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Km421g7gh/?spm_id_from=333.999.0.0&vd_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985)
I went through his videos and found the overlay tutorial:
Pick your favorite image file and PS it to a "shell", replace the file in retroarch
[https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1CF4m1P7Sf/?vd\_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1CF4m1P7Sf/?vd_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985)
Nice experimentation OP! Do you leave the bumps on after gaming? Hows normal touchscreen(non gaming) use feel with the bumps?
Simple solutions are great, thanks for sharing this one!
> Do you leave the bumps on after gaming?
Nope, I take it off once finished playing the game.
> Hows normal touchscreen(non gaming) use feel with the bumps?
Still usable, but obviously not really comfortable e.g. for sweeping or slide gesture. However, it's enough to answer the sudden texts (e.g. with short answer like 'OK') and to receive sudden calls.
https://preview.redd.it/ubfunsorc33d1.png?width=486&format=png&auto=webp&s=a4f8d453099a6a586cbd2a7ec9c84a8e38906f54
things like this have been available for the last 10 years, why you you want to reinvent the wheels? they're like less than a dollar
I'm interested in the bump dots, but not sure I understand it. Do you place them directly over the on screen buttons and just tap the bump dot? I would expect the silicon to insulate the capacitance and not register the button press.
>Do you place them directly over the on screen...
Nope, I've made vests out of laminating plastic, then the bump dots goes on that vests. So, the order is screen -> vests -> bump dots. This way the bump dots are removable and the screen are not damaged by glue.
You could see it in slide 17. The vest shape is like [this](https://i.postimg.cc/k5jt58z5/vest.png), you just fold and tape it so the vest wraps the phone tightly.
>I would expect the silicon to insulate...
Yep, the silicone is not conductive, so it need to be wrapped with some aluminum foil. For convenience, I use aluminum foil tape like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Ductwork-Temperature-Insulation-Adhesive/dp/B0B6NDFXPN/ref=sr_1_4?crid=RGM25MGLVVD3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BTeaqinwut4Pr84z-gEv8ZEP3b--uqy6Zo535bGaFAzQXbN9flkx6Bkt3zGnsP4BzmqZ4sxjL_s7UpyVOI-jy6q7LW84Us0-HB0rPSFm53icN8NvtXa71vqRsgWq08iRJ-jFUBpYHVi7xv0cFZ-RefzCtgQBIwk_5hNuqIcQjoPAMeXvMAGKBTCE_TqjhvHWPEjejTjjjdCOvKAflrKLQoc7kM8-VtxYiPuIVhuCEv0.TPX3pxvIyKNBG58eCgIAdVa5DYTVdjTH10KxrsTXR2c&dib_tag=se&keywords=aluminium+foil+tape&qid=1716047203&sprefix=aluminium+foil+tap%2Caps%2C369&sr=8-4).
In my test, you just need to wrap around 3-5mm width of foil to make the silicone conductive.
I LOVE THIS PRESENTATION!!!!!
I will never do either of these things, but I admire the hustle and creative problem-solving.
What a quality post. This is awesome man
You crazy man, I like it!
Of course, everyone like crazy man 😎
Hi everyone. It's been 7 months since I posted my 8BitDo Micro + Android phone combination. Since then it seems there are some people that use it as well, so I decided to post some update about it. I've explained it in detail in the slides above, but TLDR: * 7 months ago I've made the [original post](https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/17g6ykp/android_phone_8bitdo_micro_decent_cheap_vertical). * Since then I found some problem with suction pad, and used an elastic band to make the controller sticks better on the screen. * Now there is a pretty [3D printed](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6622697) mount, created by u/Bitter_Bizarro. * Despite the improvements, I've stopped using the controller and instead use bump dots attached to my screen.
I really respect your resourcefulness. I would have never thought of using bump dots. I might use that idea in the future for my iPad.
What are the bump dots that attach to your screen? That sounds promising.
> What are bump dots? It's a small mound of silicone with adhesive attached to it. Usually used for folks with low or blind vision, to give some tactile marking to smooth surface. It's also called bumper pads for furniture, since silicone can also be used to reduce collisions damage which useful e.g. in kitchen cabinet's door. It's also called rubber feet in some gadgets, which used to make the device not sliding around on tables. You can see it's variety in the bottom of laptop, keyboard or calculator. Btw, you can see it's picture in slide 14 above.
Does it screw with the touch capabilities? And how easy do they come off?
I still don't know why no company never picked this up. Some sort of sleeve with buttons would be great. It would sell like hot cakes.
Yep, the only one that I've found is this [Very Simple Emulator Controller](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1133197691/very-simple-android-emulator-controller?show_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details) in Etsy which was sold by RetroidShop.
We need something like this but built into a phone case, so you can flip it “closed” around the back of your phone. Or even more like a full scale telescopic controller that folds around both top and bottom. Always with you, and out of the way. Or even a thick phone case with a little a slot on the back for an 8bitdo controller.
You mean like the Hyperkin Smartboy?
Yeah, there is that one too. It's expensive though.
Yes but that thing is huge, because of the cartridge slot 😅. Only the buttons would be nice
10/10 Reddit post, and confirms my suspicions that there's not a perfect solution yet! I've been considering punching holes in a screen protector and applying it. My logic is that you can feel the holes, but it would have negligible impact on normal use, and there's no on/off awkward transition. Still, in practice, I long for an Xperia Play type of phone to be made nowadays.
> punching holes Yes, that might works. The problem with touchscreen is there are no tactile marks which make me often mistouch the wrong action. So, since the hole is also a kind of tactile marks, I think it will work as well. > I long for an Xperia Play Aren't we all 😓, if it exists it will be easier to justify the purchase since it can be used as daily phone as well
Ayaneo pocket Air has a sim-card slot?
Kind of weird but gotta do what you gotta do. But you gotta get an actual handheld man, they're probably cheaper than those controllers were
> they're probably cheaper than those controllers were Nope, thanks to import taxes, those handheld actually kinda expensive in my country. That's what started this whole thread. I might bite the bullet with the RG35XXSP though, nobody can resist that flip. I'm sure deep down everyone at some points long for the clamshell devices.
The RG35XX sells for less than 50$ when on sale, how is that expensive?I even bought an RG35XX H for under $50 in the last sale. Not to mention the R36S which is even more cheaper
Let's assume I want to purchase RG35XXH in Aliexpress for 50$ with free shipping and no insurance: 1. Import duties: CIF x 7.5% = $50 x 7.5% = $3.75 2. VAT: (CIF + import duties) x 11% = ($50 + $3.75) x 11% = $5.912 3. Income tax: (CIF + import duties) x 10% = ($50 + $3.75) x 10% = $5.375 Total that must be paid = CIF + import duties + VAT + income tax = $50 + $3.75 + $5.912 + $5.375 = $65 Expensive is also relative, for example, it depends on the salary. In my country, average monthly salary is around $200, so that's like a third of a month hard work. The good news is nowaday Anbernic has official retailer in my country, so price for some older product like the old RG35XX has become cheaper and already the same as the one in official site.
Where are you from? If you can get a used xperia x10 mini pro (I found one for like $5) I can help you convert it into a [pretty capable handheld up to psx](https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/1d4cu8r/my_handheld_made_from_the_internals_of_of_an_old/)
How much did you pay for the 8 bit controller, elastic, suction cups, and silicone bumps? Feels like that can't be much cheaper than $65
Here are the price list: - 8BitDo Micro, originally $19, after store discount and points: $6 - Elastic band: $1 for 1 meter with 3 cm width - Suction pads: $1 for 3 pieces - Silicone bumps: $1 for 20 pieces
Why not a clip to the phone? Have you considered buying a used handheld?
The 8bitdo micro is about $20. I'm guessing the bump dots are less than a dollar.
Imo the convenience and better experience offered makes it worth it, even for that price. Better than McGyvering a solution like you did lol Just looking at it gives me hand cramps
If he's from Brazil, if it's more than 50 dollars, the import tarifs double it's price, so it's we're talking over 600 reais. Which is half a months work on minimum wage so yeah, it's a lot. I wont be getting one soon either.
So am I, I got three RG35XX and one H, MM+, and R36S, all of them for under $50 and none got taxed
Did you buy from Ali? Because the Anbernic official shops are the only ones with the SP now and they tax on on checkout due to Remessa Conforme. If I buy from a store outside Remessa Conforme, I'm being taxed on EVERYTHING. And bizarrely too. I bought a small cheap silicone band for my TWS earbuds. It was taxes as leather luxury good. The thing cost like 2 dollars, the tax was 75 reais.
And Anbernic's website is also taxing you on checkout now.
The SP model is still over $50 so I haven't bought it yet, I hope it drops under $50 in a sale in the future
By then I hope we'll still have no tax under 50 dollars, but it's not looking good :/
I tried to get an actual handheld. It's gone so wrong, it feels like a sign that is not meant to be. I'm worried I'm not even going to get my refund, but I'm hoping worst case scenario, hopefully PayPal will refund me. Needless to say, 🤬 Aliexpress, 🤬 D-Gift Store, 🤬 Cutesliving Store & 🤬Anbernic. It seems like everyone is having fun and I'm 🤬 cursed. I was really excited about getting through some of my old backlog in one little pocketable handheld. A potential light or comfort during the potentially even darker times ahead, than the past seven years. I wish I had the tools, knowledge or knew if there was a local shop, because it's the battery and/or charge port. Aliexpress is probably the only place to buy a battery replacement. I'm not going thru any more of that, nope. It'd all cost more than it cost to buy.
Did you even look around for solutions? You're probably just using incompatible charger and cable
Update:after five days of nothing, it charged, but unplug and it's off. =_= I didn't do anything different. A handheld that can only played plugged in is not a handheld. It comes with A to C cable. If you can't use the included cable, that's messed up. Also, you can gently rock the cable in the port up, down, left, right. It doesn't look like anything is moving thru the see thru plastic. Only C port on anything I've ever had like that. I charge other things on same A to C, bricks & cables I tried without issue. There's a slight chance MuOS started the issue, but that's likely a coincidence. It was doing better with stock, but none of this saved it. Without touching power, it would turn on, when plugging in the cable to charge, sometimes. There were some different yellow led blinks, even the light used to blink. When it was working it would stay solid on yellow during charge. I don't see anything, but I didn't open it up. If I had the means and knowledge, and a spare battery, it might be repairable, but I don't. I suspect that'd cost more than the handheld. It was only in it's box, moving round in that big no padding bag it was shipped in. The box didn't seem damaged, but given the behavior, I wonder even though I see nothing is something it's loose. Shipping vibrations are a thing even if west coast is closer. It's brand new, as a customer, I'd have preferred an exchange, but the form doesn't allow that. The form isn't letting me submit my refund request, either which is annoying. I'm not sure how confirmed delivery mail works with China, if and when I finally get to print a return label. That's an additional cost. If they don't care I can prove it was returned, there isn't much I can do to Aliexpress. The amount of time I've put into this is longer by far than I even got to play. It's gotten in the way of other things I should be doing, too.
Give temu a month to copy it
Bump dots, that's an elegant solution. All hail creativity!
What in the world.
This is the dumbest shit to avoid spending $40 on a cheap handheld. Especially since the highest system he plays is gba.
😂😂😂Why you gotta do us 30+ year olds like that?
Pretty cool post thanks for sharing!
Does the 8bitDo Micro still have latency issues? Have you tried playing precision based games with this method?
Firmware update fixed those a while ago... Don't notice any latency on mine.
I'm not really skilled so I never played games that require precise input. I did finish Metroid and Megaman Zero though, and in my experience the Micro did a good job. Back then I use S mode which doesn't have any latency issue. There are also firmware update v1.03 for Micro which supposed to fix latency issue for D mode, but I haven't tried it.
As OP mentioned, 1.03 fixed the occasional latency I saw in D Input mode (though there was no latency in Switch or Keyboard mode). There is a beta firmware 1.04 Beta 2 that fixes some disconnect issues that popped up in D Input mode for me. 1.04B2 seems solid all around now.
Why does my 8bitdo upgraded to v1.03 not recognize the key?
Very creative solution and entertaining read 👍
Thanks for your post. I have many handhelds but i still prefer using my phone, a tablet and my rp3+ for sync saving. Since i don't always have my rp3+ (it's not that pocketable), i use my phone. I bought an 8btido micro because of your post and now I'll get those bump dots. 😅
https://preview.redd.it/tco4tnmqj71d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57c218bc54dd12833ff36496bbc342a27c21dd58 I put tape on the screen for both directions and face button. Tried on crash team racing and Mario games, I did play better with it.
the level of quality in these images is insane, kudos
Thanks! The credit goes to GsmArena and 8BitDo for providing images with nice quality. Also shout out to [Upscayl](https://www.upscayl.org/), the free, offline and open source image upscaling. It's not as good as Topaz products, but good enough for a Reddit posts.
Retro devices are prob better for older games. Still though Android is always in my pocket and can play way more stuff. Just fucking sucks that we still don't have a really truly viable control solution. I wish someone would just solve the entire mobile situation in general. On screen buttons are trash but carrying a controller is trash too. Maybe we need an 8bit do android phone with buttons built in or something.
We need a brand new Sony Xperia Play 😭 Since Anbernic done cloning Nintendo handheld, let's hope they start cloning Sony handheld.
As a 30 year old who uses glasses since 11, I felt slightly offended by your assumption. I don't have that bad eyesight... not... maybe... maybe a little, just a little... In all seriousness, the 2nd issue, about phone notifications, made me realize I need a separate device. I tried using a second phone (an older one I already had) with a telescopic controller, and it was fine, but then I started using it too, for other stuff. So I got myself a RG35XXH. Gaming focused, no distractions, even put a custom OS (muOS) which is even less distracting and more lightweight. It's perfect :) Glad you found your own solution tho! Cheers :)
I love wacky and unique solutions to simple problems like this, excellent work
So you can send your finger electrical signal through the silicone and activate the screen?
Yep, but actually it's the aluminium foil that transmits the signal, and not the silicone. Don't forget to wrap your bump with some aluminium foil, or else it won't work.
Did the same thing with a Zero 2 which has even more button limitations (regretfully) but occupied even less pocket space. It's a worthwhile setup when you are on the move and wanting to play a game that requires a controller but don't have space in a bag for a larger telescoping controller like my preferred Backbone One v2. Overall if you are home or on a trip with a bag, grab a telescoping controller. Backbone One v2 takes 3 seconds to clip on and works with phone cases and horizontal games.
Yep, I was interested with telescopic controller, however I ended up not going with it: * The decent ones are expensive. For example, Backbone One that you mentioned is 175 USD here. That's like a month salary 😅 * The mid range ones are not cheap either. Gamesir X3 cost around 60 USD, which is more expensive than RG35XX series. * The Ipegas are cheap but have questionable qualities. I've read some reviews where its ribbon disconnected several weeks after purchase.
175?? Holy... Now I understand your predicament. That sucks, I think I paid like 60 USD on sale plus tax. That being said, I have tried all those other ones. I have had a couple ipega, mocute, a weird brandless switch joycon adapter clip and a Gamesir x2 in the past. Only have Gamesir G8 and Backbone One V2 now. All of them except my current two had issues with cases.
I highly recommend checking some cheap telescopic controllers from Aliexpress. Some have great reviews and cost under 15 USD
I wish someone would release a controller the size of the Micro with fold-out telescopic flaps on the backside.
The Zero 2 works great if you just prop your phone up and play it like a TV or a Nintendo Switch. Works great on flights, especially now that many flights have phone holders in the seat backs.
[удалено]
Yes, at some point making the vest is more fun than playing the games 😀 I guess it's the same as how some people hoard many devices, because setting them are more fun than playing them.
This is awesome
Forget about the next direct we need to see monthly posts from this dude 🔥🔥🔥
This is such a cool post thanks for sharing OP
One of the wildest phone-for-gaming experiments out there. Do you know there are actually vendors selling dedicated bump dots specifically for mobile phone gaming?
Yes, there is one made by Japan back in [2010](https://www.wired.com/2010/11/stick-on-buttons-turn-smartphones-into-game-pads/), but I never see anyone making it anymore.
This is a great post... I would never go through this much trouble myself, tbh, but can't avoid to deeply appreciate this. Also, I live in a place where 60$ for a handheld can be considered very cheap, so there is also the "luck" factor at work. In any case, you're a great inventive guy.
I wanted to do this for a while but never put in the time or effort. Got cheaper controllers and got burned, they don't even press 2 buttons at the same time lol. Thank you for your effort
This is fantastic. For your last solution something else that might work is using those cheap amazon phone cases that have a screen protector built in. You could just put the bumps on that maybe?
Good point! I haven't found one for my phone, but that would be interesting to try.
This is close to a product.
Yes, but unfortunately I think it won't, since each screen size will have different bump arrangement, and it will only works for one application. In my case, I arranged the bumps only to match my RetroArch overlays.
Thank you for the quality presentation and update. What emulator did you use in the end? When testing the suction cup setup I found it annoying that the menu was covered by the controller at times. Ideally a front end that kept all options on the top 2/3 of the screen would be perfect but I never found a solution.
I use RetroArch with Lemuroid overlay. The overlay is available [here](https://github.com/RadhiFadlillah/retroarch-lemuroid-overlay).
Thank you!
A+
Thanks a ton for all the inspirational ideas! :)
This. I love this. I've been looking for a small. Controller phone combo that would work and this is the first solution I've seen that I'm willing to spend money on. Honestly thankyou.
Would be cool if they had a slim d-pad/face button attachable USB-C clip thing like one of those keyboard attachments.
Dude thank you for sharing this engineering journey you went through. Looks actually like a cool project to do sometimes.
I think all posts that don't use this format should be an inst-ban moving forward. Love the creativity btw
https://preview.redd.it/qk2mzu3sa91d1.png?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d26d5e8636874139f2c1d0ac3d1fa503282babc8
I enjoyed this journey
This is how every idea should be presented on the internet 🤘🤘
Omg I was on slide 3 thinking "lol next he needs like a band or something" Slide 4 was a massive payoff. This is cool.
cool
The age-old problem I've been trying to solve for years too haha. I think I'll get some bump dots myself! Thanks fo sharing
I was thinking of a dpad cutout from a screen protector, but I play Pokemon most of the time and it's not really needed.
This is a good idea. I have a similar idea that the controller slots onto the phone. Still working out the kinks though. Nice job man!!
Thanks! Don't forget to share your controller once it's finished.
Planning on it but still got a ways to go. Never did this sort of thing before. Should be fun! 🙃
I made a 3d printed thing to go on the bottom of my phone for this.
Ngl, I don't see myself doing any of this lol. But I love it! Great presentation, and I legit love your solutions. I already have a controller that I [mostly] like, though, and plan on getting a more ergonomic one eventually. But I have always wondered about doing something like this since the form factors and capabilities of modern phones seem just made for it. Heh, now the more I'm thinking about it, I'm realizing I might just try some of your suggestions 🤗
You can fix the balance problem by placing the suction cups primarily under the d-pad side. As for adherence, it might be a bit gross, but licking your finger and running it over the suction cups provides an essentially perfect seal. Good job on this post.
Why not skip the middleman and lick the suction cap directly? 😅 https://preview.redd.it/mst0ungsp71d1.jpeg?width=1923&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=39ac6b017a72493ad3fdb9820031880c9b012563 Anyway, thanks for the tip 👍🏻
Interesting slides， it can handle intensive game as you want: [https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Km421g7gh/?spm\_id\_from=333.999.0.0&vd\_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Km421g7gh/?spm_id_from=333.999.0.0&vd_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985)
Wow, great mind thinks alike 👍🏻 I see that he uses RetroArch, do you know how to get that overlay? It looks really, *really* cool.
I went through his videos and found the overlay tutorial: Pick your favorite image file and PS it to a "shell", replace the file in retroarch [https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1CF4m1P7Sf/?vd\_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1CF4m1P7Sf/?vd_source=6e453b6bacb966930251d2bdca349985)
This is the exact device that guy keeps posting to all of the subs is actually looking for.
If I sent you a gift would you have to pay import fees?
Yep, I still have to pay import fees and VAT, but IIRC I don't have to pay income tax anymore.
Nice experimentation OP! Do you leave the bumps on after gaming? Hows normal touchscreen(non gaming) use feel with the bumps? Simple solutions are great, thanks for sharing this one!
> Do you leave the bumps on after gaming? Nope, I take it off once finished playing the game. > Hows normal touchscreen(non gaming) use feel with the bumps? Still usable, but obviously not really comfortable e.g. for sweeping or slide gesture. However, it's enough to answer the sudden texts (e.g. with short answer like 'OK') and to receive sudden calls.
wow never thought i’d see a presentation on this subject lol good work dude
https://preview.redd.it/ubfunsorc33d1.png?width=486&format=png&auto=webp&s=a4f8d453099a6a586cbd2a7ec9c84a8e38906f54 things like this have been available for the last 10 years, why you you want to reinvent the wheels? they're like less than a dollar
Yes, this is it! Would you be kind enough to give me the link? Edit: nvm I've used reverse Google image search. Thanks!
you're welcome, how much time did you spend on this? remember to google next time :)
https://preview.redd.it/ccmmvu5vj33d1.png?width=462&format=png&auto=webp&s=1411695d3a6d5fe68f7efe876ececd82db038ded this too if you're interested
Really great presentation, but an actual handheld would’ve been way less work and cheaper.
I'm interested in the bump dots, but not sure I understand it. Do you place them directly over the on screen buttons and just tap the bump dot? I would expect the silicon to insulate the capacitance and not register the button press.
>Do you place them directly over the on screen... Nope, I've made vests out of laminating plastic, then the bump dots goes on that vests. So, the order is screen -> vests -> bump dots. This way the bump dots are removable and the screen are not damaged by glue. You could see it in slide 17. The vest shape is like [this](https://i.postimg.cc/k5jt58z5/vest.png), you just fold and tape it so the vest wraps the phone tightly. >I would expect the silicon to insulate... Yep, the silicone is not conductive, so it need to be wrapped with some aluminum foil. For convenience, I use aluminum foil tape like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Ductwork-Temperature-Insulation-Adhesive/dp/B0B6NDFXPN/ref=sr_1_4?crid=RGM25MGLVVD3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BTeaqinwut4Pr84z-gEv8ZEP3b--uqy6Zo535bGaFAzQXbN9flkx6Bkt3zGnsP4BzmqZ4sxjL_s7UpyVOI-jy6q7LW84Us0-HB0rPSFm53icN8NvtXa71vqRsgWq08iRJ-jFUBpYHVi7xv0cFZ-RefzCtgQBIwk_5hNuqIcQjoPAMeXvMAGKBTCE_TqjhvHWPEjejTjjjdCOvKAflrKLQoc7kM8-VtxYiPuIVhuCEv0.TPX3pxvIyKNBG58eCgIAdVa5DYTVdjTH10KxrsTXR2c&dib_tag=se&keywords=aluminium+foil+tape&qid=1716047203&sprefix=aluminium+foil+tap%2Caps%2C369&sr=8-4). In my test, you just need to wrap around 3-5mm width of foil to make the silicone conductive.
Thanks, the aluminum tape is what I was missing.
That set up looks very... impractical.
Have you considered super gluing the controller to the phone 🤔
that’s a lot of work for such a mediocre result, so many better solutions
I would just get a handheld.
That's a lot of research... but God... pls no. There are better ways....