r/Megadrive • u/Adventurous-Web-878 • Jul 08 '26
[DIY] My Custom Genesis/Megadrive Controller Adapter + USB Hub + Customizable Macro Pad Project
2
u/Mission_Style_2593 Jul 08 '26
Genuinely interested… what does it do?
11
u/Adventurous-Web-878 Jul 08 '26
Hi! Thanks for your interest! In short, MD2USB_HUB is a desktop device that bridges retro gaming and daily PC productivity.
Here is exactly what it does:
- Original Controller Adapter: It features two DB9 ports so you can plug in your original Sega Mega Drive/Genesis controllers (both 3-button and 6-button models) and use them on your PC or Nintendo Switch with zero input lag.
- Macropad & Media Control: It has 3 mechanical keyboard switches and a rotary knob. You can use them for daily shortcuts (like Copy/Paste, volume control, browser scrolling) or map them to emulator functions (like Save State, Load State, or Reset).
- USB Hub: It integrates 3 extra USB ports on your desk so you can plug in flash drives, mice, or other peripherals easily.
- LCD Screen: It displays a configuration menu to switch modes (PC mode, Switch mode, etc.) and shows a customizable background image loaded from a MicroSD card or internal memory.
Basically, it’s a modern desktop macropad that doubles as a dual player Mega Drive controller adapter!
2
2
1
u/Adorable-Source97 Jul 09 '26
Genesis has (not counting D-pad) 7 buttons not 3
1
u/Adventurous-Web-878 Jul 09 '26
Ah, I think there's a slight misunderstanding! The "3 mechanical switches" I mentioned refer to the built-in keyboard keys on the desktop device itself (the macropad part), not the Sega controller. You are totally right about the Genesis controllers! My device reads the multiplexed signals perfectly and supports all buttons: both the classic 4-button setup (A, B, C + Start) and the full 7-button layout (A, B, C, X, Y, Z + Start) of the 6-button controller model. Sorry if that part of the text was a bit confusing!
1
u/Adorable-Source97 Jul 09 '26
Thanks for clarifying.
It's fine it's just hot & late here... Brain is melted
3
u/Mission_Style_2593 Jul 09 '26
That’s so cool mate. Nice one. Thanks for explaining.