Worklog [2026 Contest Entry] VectorPad - A Modern Vectrex Controller

[Bubberiffic]

VectorPad - A Modern Vectrex Controller

8/4/26:
The Vectrex is my favorite retro game console of all time. I love the crisp vector lines/graphics that the deflection circuit draws. It is truly an unmatched experience and I plead to you, if you have the chance to use one in person, take that chance! For this Summer Building Competition, I wanted to build a modern version of the Vectrex controller since they are getting more expensive year after year. I was able to find a Vectrex on eBay for a good price ($280 USD). The seller listed it as "100% dead", but I didn't really believe that. The reason I was willing to spend that much on a "dead" console is because I had reason to believe that the power switch just had dried-out grease that made it non-conductive (very common failure point).

IMAGE CREDIT: JAMES CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE

This can be a simple fix—just flick the power switch back and forth with the Vectrex unplugged and it can free any of that old grease. Luckily for me... that was the fix that it needed! I'd say I got pretty lucky since my unit is in great shape!

There's one issue with my Vectrex, and that is that it didn't come with a controller, and controller replacements can be VERY expensive! Even reproduction controllers can cost a lot of money ($100 to $200+), so my aim is to re-make the Vectrex controller with modern components, parts, and a custom PCB and housing!

8/11/26:
The Vectrex's service manual includes a schematic for the controller. The controller uses a standard DB9 connector (exact connector out of an Atari 2600). The Vectrex was actually the first game console to include an analog stick for a controller!

IMAGE CREDIT: G.C.E. HP-3000 VECTREX ARCADE SYSTEM SERVICE MANUAL

In my EDA software, I recreated this schematic, but with modern components:

My design uses:

• A Hall-Effect Analog Stick
• Cherry-MX Profile Mechanical Keyboard Switches
• Custom PCB

All of this is very cost-effective, and allows for lots of customization on feel, and much more!

8/13/26:
I've started working designing a PCB for this project, and I've completed the design. I have not ordered the boards as of now because I need to double check if the analog stick is in the right orientation (I'll do that when I get the sticks in the mail). I also did some custom art for the back of the PCB since I've never done that before for a project and I thought it would be fun to start here!

8/15/26:
I've got all the parts ordered that I hadn't ordered already, so I'll update more as those begin to arrive. I plan on making a crude version of the controller on Prototyping Board just to double check the schematic and measurements that I made are 100% correct and functional.

 

[Bubberiffic]

8/16/26:
The only thing I really needed to test on the controller board that I wasn't sure of was the orientation of the analog stick. Since I have a generic one on hand, I can test it to see if it will work. I wired it up on Prototyping Board and cut and labeled the pins and wires off of the controller cable and the Vectrex.

Vectrex and Vectrex controller port pinouts: (drawn as if facing them directly)

I used my multimeter to check where which wire corresponded to what pin, and it worked out great. I plugged my crude test-controller into my Vectrex and it worked a charm! The only issue was that the original orientation of the analog stick was upside down, so I'm very glad that I check that before ordering the boards, or else that would've been a big disappointment! I updated my boards and I should order them soon, just after checking a few measurements with the Hall-Effect sticks that I have coming in the mail tomorrow (the 17th).

Here's a video of my testing the "test" controller!

 

[cy]

It's always smart to test your circuits like you did here whenever you're able to! This is something I always try to do when it doesn't involve soldering hundreds of wires, or wires that are extremely sensitive. So cool to see this working in theory!

Also I love the Asuka artwork! One of these days I need to make a white PCB that doubles over as a manga page with it's silkscreen.

 

[Bubberiffic]

8/18/26:
The Hall-Effect analog sticks have arrived. I replaced the current analog stick that I had with the new one. Note: the reason that I'm not using my original analog stick for this project is because it's so obscure, I can't find a part number online to get a footprint and order of it. Here's a photo of me soldering the new Hall-Effect stick.

Unfortunately, the Hall-Effect sensor did not work for this application. The Vectrex's unique analog stick design relies on a passive resistive voltage divider tied to bipolar power rails rather than active digital or standard modern low-voltage signals; because of that, the stick can't provide a stable reading, and thus there is no movement on-screen when moving the analog-stick in any direction. I ordered new sticks (same footprint as my PCB design and the Hall-Effect sticks), but these ones are not Hall-Effect and use standard 10kΩ potentiometers.

IMAGE CREDIT: AMAZON.COM

8/19/26:
I soldered the new stick in-place and it worked great! It's a little bummer that the new sticks aren't Hall-Effect, but if they won't electrically work in the circuit there's not much I can do. Also, you'd have to use the crap out of the controller to wear it down, and it's an $0.80 part, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

The orientation is still correct on the PCBs that I designed, even with the new stick. Speaking of PCBs, I ordered them through PCBWay! Special thanks to PCBWay for the coupon for this project and for helping me with my account balance and such—you guys rock! The final PCBs were ordered in white with black silkscreen. I can get a clearer image if I render them through OSH Park's gerber viewer (it layers silkscreen really well for the render of the boards), so that's why the PCBs that I've shared in here are purple instead of white (the final ones will be white obviously).

Here's the PCBWay order page for any of those curious. Thanks for the support so far on this project and I'll see you guys when I have a new update!