The Most Hipster Video Game Controller Ever?

Usually video game controllers are designed to be as comfortable as possible for long periods of play. The particular controller that you find most comfortable is a matter of personal taste — though it should obviously be an Xbox controller. But, what if you’re a hipster and comfort is less important to you than style? That’s the idea behind Thomas Tilley’s Hipster Game Controller, which is made from the most hipster device in existence: an antique crank-operated coffee grinder.

Don’t misunderstand me — coffee isn’t hipster. But, grinding your own coffee with an antique? Yup, definitely hipster. Tilley built this controller specifically for playing Puzzle Bobble. It’s a standard bubble-popping “casual” video game, but the the graphics show the turret being aimed by a crank-turning dragon thing. Tilley figured the crank coffee grinder would be a perfect physical representation of those graphics, and set out to build it back in 2016.

A mouse scroll wheel is attached to the axle of the crank, and spins as the crank is turned. It’s still connected to the mouse, which in turn connects to a PC via USB. Tilley then used a scripting program called GlovePIE to translate the scroll wheel movement into the key presses necessary for controlling the game. Finally, an arcade button mounted to an upturned mug is used for firing the bubbles. It may not be as comfortable to use as an Xbox controller, but it certainly has more style. And, isn’t that what hipsterdom is all about?