NES/Famicom Controller to USB adapter circuit (v3)

A small circuit to convert a NES/Famicom controller to USB, or to build an adapter. Two form-factors available.

Description

Playing NES games with an emulator is great, but nothing is better than playing with the original gamepads. This circuit makes it possible to convert a real NES controller to USB, or to build a custom USB adapter for NES controllers.

Available in two form factors: Standard form, with on-board mini USB connector, and a compact form recommended for modding controllers or for use when space is limited.

This circuit uses advXarch technology and is as performant as our pre-built adapters.

Features:

Standard NES controllers supported (all regions)
100% functional without installing special drivers. Easy to use. (Connects as an USB HID joystick)
Works under Linux, Mac OS X and Windows.
Updateable firmware.
Some aspects of the adapter are configurable.
- D-Pad can act as buttons or axis
- Configurable polling rate

Total Latency information: (more info)

Default setting: 6ms
Minimum setting: 2ms

Ordering

Buy here

In stock : Ships within 5 business days unless noted otherwise (out of stock, pre-order, holidays, etc).

This summer, we are be taking a break from July 22 (2026) to July 30. Most orders placed in that period will only be shipped after July 31.

Item #	BRD-NES-USB-SLD
Description	NES Controller to USB conversion circuit (v3, compact)
Price	$15.89
Country of origin	Japan

Item #	BRD-NES-USB
Description	NES Controller to USB conversion circuit (v3)
Price	$15.89
Country of origin	Japan

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 Controllers

Show list...

Model	Tested by	Supported	Comments
Standard NES controllers (all regions)	raphnet.	Yes
Famicom controllers	raphnet.	Yes
NES Advantage	raphnet.	Yes
NES FourScore (Nintendo)	raphnet.	No
NES Zapper	raphnet.	No	Cannot be supported by this circuit.

Supported systems

Show list...

Model	Tested by	Supported	Comments
PC (Windows, Linux)	raphnet.	Yes	This is what this circuit was designed for.
PS3, PS4, PS5...	User	No	Besides the problematic lack of a PS/Home button, buttons (on your controller or guitar) would most likely be incorrect.
Nintendo Switch	User	No	The Switch does not support any of our USB adapters and circuits unfortunately.
Analogue Pocket dock	User	No	Reported not to work.
Other consoles, mini-consoles, etc	User	Partial	Could work, but not necessarily very usable, unless the system offers a way to map buttons. Please let us know!

FAQ

Q: Is this circuit compatible with the Nintendo Switch?
A: No, unfortunately the switch does not support this circuit.

Download(s) & Link(s)

Description	Link
Wiring guide	wiring-nes-usb.pdf
Adapter management/update tools	View
How to test your USB adapters and controllers	Visit page

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