HackSpace_-_April_2020

CAN I HACK IT?

Can I hack an Xbox 360 controller?

How you can reuse a broken games controller

he Xbox 360 arrived in 2005 to much

success. It ushered in a new era of

high-quality graphics and ‘always on’

gaming. The controller was also seen

as a major step up from the previous

generation, as it provided a standard

USB interface which could be used on PC. The

previous Xbox used USB, but it was adapted into a

proprietary connection (though eager hackers soon

solved that issue). Fast-forward to 2020 and the Xbox

360 has been superseded by the Xbox One, so its

accessories can now be found cheaply. So, when we

stumbled upon a ‘broken’ Xbox 360 USB controller,

we knew that we had to take it apart and learn more

about it.

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

The controller is made from a firm, thin plastic that

is resistant to sudden impacts. This plastic can be

worked with hand tools and a rotary tool, such as

a Dremel. The case is held together using seven

cross-head screws. The seventh screw is located

under a sticker in the centre of the pad. With the

screws removed, we

can see the main chassis,

which is a series of plastic

pillars and struts designed to

provide strength and durability,

while maximising space inside the

controller. Take care as the internal

plastic is quite sharp. The coloured buttons

for Y, B, X, A and the Xbox logo can be easily removed

for cleaning and, with a little soldering and care,

LEDs can be placed inside the plastic for a custom

controller. The USB cable comes into the controller

from the top, and is held in place by the two halves of

the case forming around a strain-relief section.

ELECTRONICS

As this is powered via USB, we know that the

controller is running at 5 V. The power and control

signals (‘Data -’ and ‘Data +’) come into the controller

via the USB lead at the top of the controller, and go

into a white port in the centre of the circuit board.

The port does not provide a friction fit; this means

that to remove the wires, we have to desolder the

An Xbox 360 controller?

Can I Hack It?

T

Les Pounder

@biglesp

Les Pounder loves
taking things to pieces
and seeing how they
work. He teaches
others how to be
makers and tinkerers at
events across the UK.
He blogs at bigl.es

YOU’LL NEED

Xbox 360 wired

USB controller

COST

£Various

WHERE

eBay, Amazon,

thrift stores

Right

Inside this plain

off-white shell are

electronics for a

custom arcade

controller, light-up

buttons, and a

driving simulator