Modder turns Fisher-Price toy into fully functional video game controller

It still plays the noises, of course

The Fisher-Price toy video game controller is not really meant to be used as an actual controller. It’s a light-up play toy. That didn’t stop enterprising controller modder Rudeism from making the Fisher-Price toy completely usable as a controller in Elden Ring, though.

Following up on a joke from video game deals account Wario64, Rudeism took the jest as a challenge. Tweets of his progress soon followed, with USB power and a new port hacked into the children’s toy. Then, finally, came the proof.

here's the Fisher Price Xbox controller in action!

let me know what games you'd like to see me play with it

and thanks to @Wario64 for the off-hand joke that inspired me to make this happen 😂 pic.twitter.com/3OETvcsEsI

— Rudeism (@rudeism) May 1, 2022

In the video, Rudeism shows off all the different controls capable with the Fisher-Price toy controller. In some ways, it functions essentially in the same manner as a standard Xbox controller would. Face buttons do what face buttons would normally do, and the D-pad still swaps around flasks and weapons. The triggers and bumpers seem like they might take some getting used to. Where it gets even wilder (somehow) is the right stick; without a standard right-hand stick for camera control, Rudeism uses the switch to toggle the function of the left-side stick.

Oh, and of course, it still lights up and makes noises. What’s the point if it doesn’t, right? Rudeism also shouts out Parts Not Included, who designed the underlying Xinput library.

Assuming direct control

It’s another impressive controller accomplishment in a line of them from Rudeism. The streamer and hardware modder has made waves countless times with his previous works, including playing Farming Simulator with an actual tractor and finishing Dark Souls 3 using Morse code. He also made a lightsaber controller and glove combo for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, to make the Force push have that real feeling of sending someone flying with space magic.

His controller has gotten him notoriety. Seamus Blackley, the designer of the original Xbox controller (the “Duke”), gave it a shoutout.

As for what Rudeism plans to do with his new toy controller creation, now that it’s complete? He says he’s going to beat Elden Ring with it. Let Me Solo Her can take a breather; the Fisher-Price fighter has got this one, it seems.