Introduction

OpenArcade

Made how you play.

OpenArcade is a modular game controller designed for accessibility. Build your own layout from separate modules or snap them together—play from your lap, a table, or wherever works for you.

Standard controllers assume one-size-fits-all. OpenArcade doesn’t.

How it works

OpenArcade breaks a controller into pieces:

• Child modules – Buttons, joysticks, D-pads in their own housings (ESP32)
• Parent hub – Central hub that connects to your PC or console (Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W)

Wire the modules together or use them independently. Arrange them however’s comfortable for you—spread out on a table, held in different hands, mounted wherever works.

┌─────────────┐     BLE      ┌──────────────┐     USB HID     ┌──────────┐
│  Child      │ ◄──────────► │  Parent Hub  │ ◄─────────────► │  Gaming  │
│  Module(s)  │  (ESP32)     │  (RPi Zero)  │                 │  Device  │
└─────────────┘              └──────────────┘                 └──────────┘

Key Features

Modular Design

Each input module is independent. Mix and match buttons, joysticks, and D-pads.

Accessibility First

Position modules wherever is comfortable. No fixed layout required.

3D Configurator

Visual layout designer with real-time 3D preview.

Open Source

Full firmware, server, and hardware designs available.

Tech Stack

Layer	Technology
Child firmware	ESP-IDF, NimBLE, C
Parent hub	Python, asyncio, bleak
Config app	Three.js, React
PCB design	KiCad
CAD	Autodesk Inventor
3D printing	Bambu Studio / PrusaSlicer

Project Structure

openarcade/
├── firmware/esp32/          # Child module firmware (NimBLE GATT server)
├── server/                  # Parent hub BLE client (Python + bleak)
├── config_app/              # 3D controller layout designer
└── docs/                    # System design documentation

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Head to the Quick Start guide to set up your first OpenArcade controller.