Building a Custom Wooden Controller: CNC, ESP32

I wanted a controller with a high-quality joystick, three buttons and a solid wood body: ergonomic, durable and good to hold. Wood instead of plastic, for the feel and for a long life. It is now the controller of the LUDIC PSY AI ENGINE.

2025 Fabrication Table

Wooden game controller body with a black joystick and three black buttons on top.

Milling the body

I modelled the body for a comfortable grip and carved it on the CNC, with tight tolerances for the joystick and buttons so everything fits with little finishing.

Electronics

The joystick and buttons connect to an ESP32, which reads the inputs and talks to the computer. The wiring is kept tidy for reliability, and the ESP32’s radio leaves room for a wireless version.

Finish

After milling, I sanded the wood fine and gave it a natural oil finish. Once it had dried, I mounted the parts and tested the controller.

  • Wooden game controller body with a black joystick and three black buttons on top.
  • Wooden arcade controller with a black joystick and three black buttons on a curved carved body