Multi Console Arcade Fight Stick

So after watching a few of the grand final matches from the Evo Tournament I decided to look into fight sticks.  After looking for a multi console solution for Ps3 Xbox 360 and PC, I was almost dead set that the stick I would eventually get would be either a Qanba Q4 or Eightarc Fusion, or an Omni Korean Edition.

But then I realised that might not be worthwhile since the new consoles are just a few months away and an interview on Joystiq had Mad Catz stating that current fight sticks will be incompatible with the new consoles.  I then stumbled across a little PCB called the MC Cthulhu.  Not only was it PC, Ps3 and Xbox 360 (an x360 controller's guts and Imp V2 required) compatible, but it also had the ability to work with many different classic consoles. 

The main draw here was Gamecube compatibility.  Not so much because of Smash Brothers Melee (though that in itself could be justification enough for some) but because of the potential to work with the Wii U.

There are some extra steps required for gamecube compatibility as soldering is needed along with an old gamecube controller cable.  On top of that you would need something like this Gamecube to Wii U adapter that plugs into a wii mote which might result in some lag.  But it does seem like the all in one solution I was after.  Add in the fact that the MC Cthulhu is firmware reliant, it could very easily be updated to include PS4 and Xbox One support.  Even if there might be a requirement to tear open some next gen controllers and do some more soldering, at least the possibility is there.

There is a way to make using multiple consoles a lot easier and I've found a video that demonstrates it quite well.

Looks like this might be the perfect opportunity for me to practice soldering and hardware modding.

Phantom Custom Keyboard arrived

So my gaming keyboard I mentioned before has finally arrived.  Typing this post is the first time I'm actually using the board to type an actual message and I have to say that I'm really liking the browns as modifiers.  The slight tactility is great and I find myself exerting much less force with my left pinkie because of it.  I must also note that the most awkward thing for me at the moment is getting used to the feel of the Cherry stabilisers as opposed to the Costar's I had before. 

The Costar stabilisers give off a distinct ringing sound upon being pressed.  The Cherry's are much quieter and bring a more uniform feel to all stabilised keys.  I have yet to use them for gaming but will provide an update once I do.  I'll take it for a spin on Call of Juarez Gunslinger later today. 

The keyblockers that hoggy from geekhack sent me are almost perfectly flush with the white Filco case and match the colour exactly.  It's great to know that should I go winkeyless, this Filco case will look almost as good as a custom Korean board. 

I currently find myself using the windows key more often than I usually do due to a lot of screen splitting between programs using Win + Arrow left/right.  I opted to go with some flat keys from Pimp My Keyboard which also match perfectly, give the look of a winkeyless board, but also allow the windows and function/menu key to be pressed.

I'll try to get some mx locking keys in for Scroll and Caps Lock eventually and I'll have to figure out the firmware modification for that.

Here are the pics =D

 

   
Big thanks to these wonderful geekhack members:

• WhiteFireDragon - I cannot thank you enough for putting it all together and proxying for me.  You are as legendary as your name suggests!
• AriesX - I missed the initial group buy order but he allowed me to take his place, allowing this all to happen.
• hoggy - For sending me the key blockers (and more) out of his own pocket.
• bavman - For starting this group buy.
• litster & PrinsValium - For designing the Phantom and allowing all us ordinary folk to have a great customisable/programmable keyboard.