Worklog Raspberry Pi5 GameCube

[MJMT]

I'm always wanting to create yet another mini GameCube. It looks like games are more playable in the latest updates so I'm using a raspberry pi 5 with a M.2 Hat+ and a Mayflash GC controller adapter. Hopefully making this thread will give me motivation to show regular progress.

Update 01/03/26 17:36 EST - Working on the lid and minor details here and there. I'll add screw pints in the rear and tabs in the front. The Raspberry Pi logo is a trimmed down version of Lammesky's from Printables https://www.printables.com/model/14260-raspberry-pi-logo-fixed/files
https://www.printables.com/@Lammesky

01/04/26 21:52 Zip folder added with STL models and images. I submitted the parts to be printed at PCBway. Going with orange for the case itself.

01/11/26 08:25 I have attached the PCB files as "PiCube.zip"

01/24/26 22:10 I have attached an updated zip file with the new models, new PCB, and a Lazy BoM of sorts

 

[Stitches]

Eugh.......... dirty emulation.............................

I am interested to see how this works though. Good luck!

 

[MJMT]

Eugh.......... dirty emulation.............................

I am interested to see how this works though. Good luck!

Well, I finished the wii trim version years ago. Shoved it inside the Brook adapter.

 

[MJMT]

Parts ordered... I'm going to try to get away with as little soldering as possible on this one. I'll be trying to add a top power switch and P-LED. I have a few from computer cases I might try. If I can program a "reset" button to return to the main Batocera menu, that will be a nice bonus. Pretty sure you can since an SNES/NES controller can be wired directly to a PI with a little bit of programming. I know it wouldn't be that useful since you can do that from your controller as is but- reset buttons are cool.

 

[MJMT]

Here's a small update on the 3D model. Going away for the rest of the week. I'm wondering if I should make a little PCB with an NES controller chip for my reset button. That might be pretty silly.

 

[MJMT]

I think I've finished with the Model. I'll convert it into individual STLs and try to link it later tonight. - Added the file to the OG post. I'll be designing 2 PCBs for this next to be fabricated. Will need to add the coding for a power LED and for the NES controller next.

 

[MJMT]

**I have created and ordered this PCB from OSH Park. I guess I'll try to do the LED and GPIO program updates while I wait and cross my fingers while waiting for everything to arrive.

Welp, Gemini said that I have to connect all of the unused buttons to a resistor so they register as not being pushed so I will do a modification to mine and I'll change this board layout be fore releasing it.


**Update- apparently you don't use a shift register with a raspberry pi 5 because they updated their IO controller to an RP1 which doesn't understand shift registers. You have to use program code with Triggerhappy to grab button presses on the GPIO and translate it to keystrokes and such. I have updated the board to have no shift register.

 

[MJMT]

Drilled these holes tonight and the board still works. I destroyed the 1st one days ago

 

[MJMT]

Here's the printed plastic. Mistakes were made. Things will need to be modified.

 

[Stitches]

Looking good!

 

[MJMT]

Here's the exciting conclusion. This one is all resin from JLCPCB. Unfortunately, the enclosure could have used about 5 more mm in height. It's just a bit too tight. The length could probably use about 3mm as well. F-Zero's performance was also a bit sub-par still. This GameCube adapter is also a bit too cheap as well. You sometimes need to toggle it's switch to get it to be detected. At this time- I'd either use a more expensive mini PC or just do a Wii trim to make it better.