Smart Joystick Controller takes a familiar gamepad form and turns it into something far more flexible. Built around the ESP32-S3, it adds a 2-inch color LCD directly into the center of the controller, giving the device its own display instead of relying on a separate screen.
That design opens the door to uses beyond simple gaming. The controller can function as a handheld for play, a wireless controller for external consoles, or a compact control device for robots and drones with real-time video shown on the built-in display.
A controller that behaves like a mini platform
The core idea behind Smart Joystick Controller is not just portability, but programmability. Its dual-core ESP32-S3 hardware gives it the processing base to handle interfaces, live data, and video while remaining compact enough to hold like a standard game controller.
It also stands apart from conventional gamepads because the screen is not an accessory bolted on as an afterthought. Instead, the display is integrated into the body, which makes status information, control feedback, and other on-device content immediately visible to the user.
For gaming, that means the device can be used as a self-contained handheld or connected to a larger console setup. In either case, the built-in screen can show additional information during play rather than leaving the controller as a purely input-focused device.
Built for more than games
Outside gaming, the controller becomes even more interesting. In robotics and drone use cases, the ability to see live video on the controller itself can make the device more practical as a control interface.
The ESP32-S3’s wireless connectivity further expands what the hardware can do. Combined with the screen, it positions the device as a compact remote-control platform rather than a single-purpose accessory.
That flexibility is part of what makes the project appealing to makers. It can be adapted for different projects without being locked into one narrow use case.
Controls, feedback, and expansion
Smart Joystick Controller includes two analog joysticks with 5-axis control and six programmable user buttons. Those inputs give builders enough room to tailor the layout to a variety of projects and control schemes.
It also adds a built-in vibration motor for haptics and an RGB status LED for visual feedback. Together, those elements create a more responsive feel while making the controller easier to read during operation.
An infrared transmitter is included as well, broadening the device’s role in remote-control experiments and other custom setups. For development, the controller provides reset and boot buttons, a dedicated power switch, and a battery connector for portable use.
USB Type-C handles both programming and power delivery, which keeps the hardware modern and convenient to work with. The controller is also compatible with Arduino, ESP-IDF, and MicroPython, giving developers multiple software paths to build on the platform.
Why makers will likely pay attention
Because the system is based on ESP32, it fits naturally into the maker ecosystem. Users can build anything from a simple game interface to a more advanced control panel with live data on screen.
Its openness also matters for repair and modification. Compared with closed consumer devices, a programmable platform gives users more freedom to change how the hardware behaves and what it is used for.
The project is currently being offered through Kickstarter, with an early-bird price of $55 and a regular price of $59. As with any crowdfunding campaign, support does not guarantee delivery, so potential backers still need to account for that risk.
Even so, Smart Joystick Controller shows how far a controller can move beyond traditional gaming input. With a screen, dual joysticks, programmable buttons, vibration, IR, and battery support, it is being positioned as a versatile base for compact embedded projects.