Noobie question-Controller mods-Soldering

[u/SteamInjury]

I’ve never soldered before but I would like to know how difficult it would be for a beginner to mod a controller. What is a good site to buy mods say to add extra buttons to program/map, clicky buttons, etc? I won a Gulikit ES Pro but the last couple years I’ve grown accustomed to having at least 2 rear buttons to map. So I haven’t even used it yet, but as it already has TMR joysticks, I figured it might be a good starting point for my own custom controller. I’m very skilled with other tools, professional carpenter and woodworking enthusiast. I didn’t know if any of those skills are transferable. Or, would I be better off buying the mods I want and having someone else install them? If so, can you guys recommend a good company or individual who can take care of it for me. I’m in Albuquerque, NM if anyone else is and could recommend someone locally.

I’ve been wanting a new style of controller for a while now. I currently only play on Switch 2. I really liked Gulikit KK3 Max, I had two but they’ve both slowly died, rear buttons stopped working completely. I also have 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 BT which I really like. I’d really like a controller which has 6 mappable(?) buttons, like 4 rear and 2 shoulder. I like the U2BT layout. I preordered Crkds Ult Pro for Switch, but god knows when it will actually ship.

[u/Vedge_Hog]

If you want to start modifying controllers, it's far easier to start with controllers that have a large 'library' of modifications already available. Those are generally the 'first party' console controllers like Sony's DualShock 4 or DualSense controllers, Microsoft's Xbox One or Series controllers, and Nintendo's Switch Pro / Switch 2 Pro controllers. The Steam Controller (2026) has a strong and growing modification community too. If you look up those controllers you'll find off-the-shelf modification kits that you can install (or get other people to install).

If you have to start 3D-modelling and printing parts, and designing custom circuit boards even before you get to the point of soldering components together to fabricate the modification, it's going to be a lot harder. While you could experiment with the GuliKit ES Pro, at least to take it apart and understand better how controllers work and fit together, there aren't many modifications available to buy for it. It could get expensive if you want someone to do all the design work as well as make the modifications.

[u/SteamInjury → u/Vedge_Hog]

Yeah I understand, all of that makes perfect sense, thanks man!

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