SMS Paddle controller circuit (v2)

With this circuit you can build an SMS Paddle controller, equivalent to the HPD-200.

  • This product
  • Wiring diagram
  • Example use
  • Example use
  • Example use
  • Wiring diagram (v1)

Description

To build an SMS Paddle controller, you can use this circuit which handles the analog to digital conversion of the current button position and communication with the console.

Specifications:
  • Works like the standard Sega HPD-200 paddle.
  • Works on Japanese SMS and MarkIII consoles.
  • Small form factor circuit.
  • Compatible with non-Japanese systems[1]
  • Special "export paddle" mode[2]
[1] Some Japanese games with paddle support, when used on a non-Japanese SMS or Genesis/Megadrive console, will detect the console is not Japanese and will then expect an "export paddle" to be used. Since the "export paddle" works differently, a Japanese paddle (HPD-200) cannot be used.

[2] Even though the "export paddle" has as far as we know never been commercialised by Sega, some games include code to support it. "export paddle" mode is to support those games.

This product is an implementation of the following open source project: DIY SMS/MarkIII paddle controller

Ordering

Buy here

In stock : Ships within 5 business days unless noted otherwise (out of stock, pre-order, holidays, etc).
For the Golden Week Japanese holidays, orders placed from April 27 (2025) to May 7 will only be shipped after May 8.

Item #BRD-SMS-PADDLE_v2
DescriptionCircuit to build an SMS Paddle
Price$12.99
Country of originJapan

We normally ship within 5 days (excluding week-ends and holidays) after payment.
Prices are in US dollars and are subject to change without notice.

Compatibility list

IMPORTANT: This is not a complete list. If something does not appear here, it simply means that we did not get the chance (or the idea) to test it, or that no one let us know that it works.

Help us improve this page by sending test results by email to support@raphnet-tech.com
Thanks!

Tested consoles

Show list...
ModelTested bySupportedComments
Sega Master System (Japanese version)raphnet.Yes
Sega Megadrive/Genesis (US version)raphnet.YesOn non-Japanese systems, most games expect the "export" paddle.

Tested games

Show list...
ModelTested bySupportedComments
Galactic protector (JP)raphnet.YesOn non-Japanese systems, the circuit must be in "export paddle" mode.
Woody Pop / ウッディポップ (JP)raphnet.YesOn non-Japanese systems, the circuit must be in "export paddle" mode.
Megumi rescue (JP)raphnet.YesOnly tested on a Japanese SMS.
Outrun (US)raphnet.YesThe circuit must be in "export paddle" mode.
DONKEY.SMS (Homebrew)raphnet.Yes
SMS-A-Sketch (Homebrew)raphnet.Yes

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the old version (BRD-SMS-PADDLE) and this new V2 version (BRD-SMS-PADDLE_v2) ?
A: The PCB was redone and a filter capacitor (C8) added so soldering one across the potentiometer pins to reduce noise should no longer be necessary in most cases. Also, the new PCB provides larger solder pads for wiring a swtich to enable export paddle mode.

Keywords

Kits
SMS