While there are an incredible array of gaming control options available today, if you want to replicate the feeling of old-school gaming on a new computer, it’s hard to beat using the controllers of the time. No problem though, just plug your Apple II joystick into the DIP16 game port or DB9 joystick port on your MacBook!
Wait, your computer doesn’t feature one of those connectors? If that’s the case, the good news is that while the world has moved on with new and better connection methods, the ability for relatively “normal” people to produce custom accessories at a reasonable price has gone up dramatically. It should come as no surprise then that a solution for this problem is already available—the RetroConnector Joystick Shield.
This device is used with an included Teensy 2.0 board, and as shown in the video here, retro gaming with an original joystick is as simple as plugging it between your computer and joystick to act as a middleman. With this device, you’ll be playing Xevious and Kung Fu Master the way you remember it!
The Teensy is a common go-to for custom peripherals. When you get tired reliving your Apple II years, check out the raw HID guide on the Teensy site and build your own spin on interesting input devices.
