Cheapbox

DIY arcade/hitbox controller built around Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) running GP2040-CE firmware.

Overview

Cheapbox is a low-cost, fully customizable arcade controller designed for fighting games. Built with off-the-shelf components and 3D-printed parts, it prioritizes maintainability, repairability, and hackability. The design is inspired by Hit Box controllers and uses the GP2040-CE firmware for broad compatibility and easy configuration.

Source files included:

• PCB: EasyEDA project (pcb/easyEDA_pcb_and_wiring.json) — schematic, layout, BOM
• Enclosure: Fusion 360 parametric assembly (f3z/hit (Assembly).f3z) + print-ready STLs (models/)

Features

• Low cost: Built from affordable, easily sourced components
• Maintainable: All parts are replaceable; no proprietary components
• Customizable: Modify layout, add buttons, change screen size, redesign enclosure
• GP2040-CE firmware: Web-based configuration, multiple input modes, active development
• Open hardware: PCB files available for modification; adaptable to other RP2040 boards

Bill of Materials

Component	Quantity	Notes / Link
Hotswap sockets	12	AliExpress
keyboard Switches	12	AliExpress
Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040)	1	AliExpress
Keycaps	12	Source locally or print
Pushbuttons (for extra inputs)	3	Standard 6x6mm tactile
OLED 0.96" I2C (128x64)	1	AliExpress
M4 bolt + M5 binding barrel nuts	4 sets	AliExpress

PCB: Complete EasyEDA project (schematic, PCB, BOM) in pcb/easyEDA_pcb_and_wiring.json. Import into EasyEDA to view, order, or modify.

Raspberry Pi Pico USB-C Note

Cheap third-party Pico boards work well but have a known USB-C issue: the CC1/CC2 resistors are incorrectly placed, preventing USB-C-to-USB-C connections. Two fixes:

1. Microsolder the two 5.1kΩ SMD resistors to the correct pads
2. Use a USB-C 5.1kΩ / 5V delivery adapter (inexpensive and reliable)

Micro-USB Picos and properly designed RP2040 boards (e.g., Adafruit Feather RP2040, Pimoroni Pico) do not have this issue.

Software

Runs GP2040-CE — the standard firmware for DIY arcade controllers. Features:

• Web-based configurator (no flashing required for most changes)
• Multiple input modes (XInput, Switch, PS3/4/5, Keyboard, etc.)
• Macro support, SOCD cleaning, per-game profiles
• Active community and regular updates

Flash the latest gp2040-ce.uf2 to the Pico via BOOTSEL mode, then configure at http://gp2040-ce.local or via USB.

Build Guide

1. Print enclosure parts — STLs in models/ (top, bottom, stand); ready to print, no supports needed
2. Fabricate PCB — Import pcb/easyEDA_pcb_and_wiring.json into EasyEDA, order from JLCPCB or preferred fab
3. Assemble PCB — Solder hotswap sockets, OLED header, button headers
4. Flash firmware — Put Pico in BOOTSEL, drag gp2040-ce.uf2
5. Wire switches — Connect to hotswap sockets and extra button headers
6. Mount OLED — Secure in front panel cutout
7. Assemble case — Use M4 bolts and M5 binding barrels
8. Configure — Connect via USB, open web configurator

Source files:

• Fusion 360 parametric assembly: f3z/hit (Assembly).f3z (requires Fusion 360)
• STLs for direct printing: models/

Gallery

Fusion 360 Render	Blender Render (with art)

Real Build

The renders show an acrylic top panel for artwork. Acrylic can be laser-cut or substituted with any 3mm sheet material. Fusion 360 source: f3z/hit (Assembly).f3z.

Customization

The design is intentionally simple to modify:

• Add buttons: Extend the PCB matrix in EasyEDA; GP2040-CE supports up to 24+ inputs
• Change display: Swap OLED for larger I2C/SPI displays (update firmware config)
• Reshape enclosure: Modify f3z/hit (Assembly).f3z in Fusion 360, or edit STLs in models/
• Alternative MCUs: Port the PCB to other RP2040 boards (XIAO RP2040, Feather RP2040, etc.)
• Artwork: Laser-cut acrylic, print on vinyl, or paint directly on the top shell

Contributing

Contributions welcome:

• PCB variations for other RP2040 boards
• Enclosure improvements (ergonomics, printability, mounting options)
• Build documentation and photos
• Firmware configuration profiles for specific games
• Translations

Open an issue or submit a pull request.

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Inspired by Hit Box and the GP2040-CE community. Built for the fighting game community.