Yesterday, as of this post, I decided to add a third button to the arcade box. If you look at the above picture, it would have formed a triangle shape.
After that, I tried to play Metal Slug X with it.
There were a number issues I had with it! - The box was too tall, so my arms cramped trying to play the game.
- The buttons formed a triangle shape. My fingers don't work like that!
- The box tape was coming off, and the joystick appeared to be ripping out of the box!
While I was cloning my HDD, a process that took about 5-6 hours, I decided to redesign the arcade stick! It was hard work, but I think it was worth the effort!
New Features/Why this one is better- The box is thinner, smaller, and its cardboard is stronger!
- The three buttons have been reorganized into a semi-ergonomic layout.
- The joystick is hot-glued in place. It's not going anywhere!
- There is a fifth button on the side, used as a "Coin Insert" button in MAME.
- I used a pencil, instead of a green Sharpie, to make marks on the box, so it looks better.
I have tested this thing with a number of games- Gradius III Arcade: Made it to stage 2 without dying. That has never happened before!
- Cosmic Cop (or Armed Police Unit Gallop): Worked quite well!
- Metal Slug X: Got through Stage 1 without dying. That never happened often either! The narrator even said "You're great!"
Anyway, I think it's pretty awesome! Let me know what you think!
(I don't think the picture does it justice, though
)
==============Some of my Games and Ideas===========
Sky Warrior: http://www.alice.org/community/showthread.php?t=6291
Health Bars: http://www.alice.org/community/showthread.php?p=36968#post36968
Sky Warrior: Dual Force: http://www.alice.org/community/showthread.php?t=7174
Want to make your own space game? http://www.alice.org/community/showthread.php?t=6389