OpenController Bluetooth Gamepad Kit - Switch, XInput, and More - HHL

Arrived quickly, instructions are clear, and fairly easy to follow. Minor initial issues getting the ESP microcontroller flashed (my keyboard conflicted, go figure!) but other than that, went together as expected. Had printed out some shells in Blue transparent PETG on my prusa, and the parts fit great. The included shell and buttons are high quality, though I do wish the option to sub in some RetroSix ones that they offer on this site existed, as that might be a more hassle-free option. The included face buttons are a little rough in the shell, and bind slightly. The controller itself doesn't continue to register them or anything, just feels slightly less smooth that it could. I will probably spend some time sanding them down a little as recommended in the guide. D-pad works great, and the included 100g microswitches are much more my jam than the originally installed ones. Keep in mind, neither are going to be squishy like the original SNES controller, but they give you positive feedback, and work great. Thanks guys, this is exactly what I was looking for to play some retro, or retro style games!

The controller works great, the 3d printed shell or buttons didn't need any sanding/filing/cutting.

Install was iffy. Putting in the ESP32 chip wasn't hard to put in if you have a decent amount of experience soldering. Flashing the firmware was pretty straightforward except my computer would detect the chip, but the browser wouldn't let the firmware update webpage read the usb device. (I tried different ports too. Not necessarily HHL's fault though to be fair.) I used a different computer and, specifically the usb micro controller firmware worked on the other computer but wouldn't read on my main computer. We got it though.

The one puzzling thing I specifically got with my kit was the small shoulder buttons. They were too short for the provided shell. Like technically it WORKED but the shoulder buttons sat too low. They did provide longer clicky shoulder buttons which I did install but it kind of baffled me that they weren't installed by default in the first place. The longer ones were perfectly sized for the kit. The shorter ones looked like they are for the GBA, rather than this controller kit.

The worst part about removing those clicky shoulder buttons is the mounting pins getting stuck in the holes. I had to use flush cutters to cut it then get the remaining peices out of the hole with the soldering iron. Maybe thats a skill issue on my part idk, but I got it done without damaging the board.

They also included the shoulder button rubbers that are useless with this kit because they are used with a traditional SNES should button pad. Perhaps they just included them because they bought them in a set and holding onto them would be pointless? IDK.

Works great on the switch and the PC. Tried to connect it to an 8bitdo adapter for my SNES and it only connects in nintendo switch mode then immediately disconnects. (Not too surprised because usually they have to update the firmware in those to increase compatibility) Gonna try it with a blueretro adapter to see what happens.

Easy to build and works phenomenally. Tested great on PC, GameCube (great for Gameboy Player), and Switch Online! Haven’t tried SNES yet but I’ll update when I do.

This controller is highly customizable and works flawlessly with so many consoles!
This kit is also an amazing place to start if you are wanting a build a custom controller of your own for your favorite retro or modern console. It is very high quality and very comfortable to play with. It has completely replaced my SNES controller and I have been using it for a lot of PC retro gaming too!