Finally ordered the components for this project.
I will begin assembling the prototype once it all arrives.

Parts:
https://www.stoneagegamer.com/nes-controller-tomee.html
NES controller (Initial idea used the Advantage components, however this should work for the prototype, overall functionality should not be lost due to this switch)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120994981123?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Arcade Buttons:
1 Green
1 Red
2 White

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171261151093?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Happ Style arcade stick.

Plywood box
(On hand as salvage)

Spray Paint [Optional]
(May try to match the official color scheme of the standard controller)

Paper [Optional]
(For stencil work)



http://www.ebay.com/itm/261683432840?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Guitar Strings [Irrelevant]
Had a few extra bucks in the budget, so I decided to use it get some new strings for my guitar since I snapped a string while adjusting the tremolo.



It's only a matter of time folks,
This IS happening.

Methinks this is going to be really, really cool once it's finished.

I sure hope so!

I went on ahead and photoshopped a quick mockup of what the control layout might look like.
(Based on a wallpaper that I found on Deviantart)


Considering that I need the parts to actually be here before I know what the dimensions are going to be, this should be considered as a concept only.

have you ever considered making something like this and selling it on ebay? given the craftsmanship i've seen in your work, i imagine you'd stand to make a lot of money by selling one or two of these things.

I honestly have.
The big thing that I lack in order to get started on that route is the resources to produce several of these things to sell.

Prepping the board.



After dismantling the controller, I noticed that the board had all it's contact points intersecting.
THIS could pose a problem with making things work as planned.
So, I scared them all down the middle with a knife sharpener.

This broke the intersection, thus allowing me more room to work without creating a short circuit where I don't need one.

The controller no longer functions as designed, however, I can trip the contacts by shorting them with a piece of copper wire.

This should allow me room to drill holes in the board, and convert the contacts, into pinouts. thus allowing for easier future maintenance, as this would eliminate soldering by allowing me to utilize blade plugs.

Tip from Nite:
When working with possibly defacing sensitive equipment, it is best to get the cheapest possible version of the item you are working with, that way, it doesn't hurt quite so bad if you screw up.

This is true in this case as well, as I fried the input processing chip on the controller when a +5V DC electrical wire popped off and bumped one of the contact points on the circuit board.

On this note:
It is also best to search for any loose components, and reenforce them.

Remember: accidents happen, so prepare.

Those dang accidents. :<

In any case, best of luck. I bet it's gonna be awesome when it's done!

Just waiting for some rubber cement to dry to reenforce the wires, before I attempt to hack the board again.

I am NOT going to attempt drilling this time, but instead, I am going to simply solder the wires to the board when I've isolated the intersecting contacts down the middle.

Edit:
Actually.... I see an easier way to do this.

Good news!



The soldering has been done!
It's as ugly as sin now, but by the time I'm done, you will never see this part of it.

Tested by jumping to a microswitch, all button inputs function perfectly!
...Also, for some odd reason I was able to use my body for ground, which made for the most awkward way I could ever play 3-D Adventures of World Runner, by holding the ground wire in my left hand, and grabbing the control wires with my right.... Did not get far BTW.