One-Handed Bluetooth Controller

A wireless controller for one hand. It pairs with Android phones, laptops and smart TVs as a normal Bluetooth mouse, with no app or driver, and gives full navigation from a single grip.

Most controllers need two hands and are built for gaming. I wanted full control with one hand across every screen in the house. It started as a small gamepad and became a Bluetooth mouse because that works on far more devices.

The ESP32 acts as a Bluetooth input device. It reads the joystick and the buttons, turns them into cursor movement and clicks, and sends them to whatever it is paired with.

The circuit is hand-soldered on perfboard. The enclosure was modelled around the measured parts, printed, and fitted with brass heat-set inserts so it can be opened and closed without wearing out the plastic.

The buttons were the hardest part. Printing parts that small so they press cleanly and spring back without binding took several reprints, and the enclosure went through the same process.

The 9 V battery is something I would change. At the time I thought any battery would do. A 9 V battery holds little energy for its size, and much of it is wasted stepping down to what the ESP32 needs. A small rechargeable pack is the better choice.

A rechargeable battery with built-in charging, and buttons designed with more clearance.