Square-Gate PS5 Controller Retrofit
Budget: $250 – $750 AUD
I’m looking to modify a DualSense PS5 controller joystick into a true square-gate analog stick for PC play. The job combines both hardware and software changes to achieve a physical square gate that constrains the stick into a square path for the left stick (right stick optional if straightforward), and a matching software solution so Windows interprets the input using square behavior rather than the usual circular normalization.
I have a general idea of the goals and constraints, but I’m not an expert in controller internals, electronics, or driver development, so I’m relying on the freelancer’s expertise for the technical implementation.
Mechanical side:
I’m looking for a custom-fit square restrictor gate designed to integrate cleanly within the existing DualSense shell. The design should preserve full stick travel, allow smooth access to all four corners without binding, and remain flush once installed. The edges of the gate should not be perfectly sharp and should be slightly rounded. Hall-effect or TMR sensors would be preferred though no sensor change is required. A 3D-printable design is acceptable, provided tolerances and material recommendations are clearly specified.
Software side:
I’m looking for a driver-level remap, lightweight utility, or internal PCB solution — an external adapter is not preferred — that cleanly translates the stick’s raw X/Y limits into square coordinates before Windows or games see the input, with minimal, ideally negligible input lag. I understand the DualSense firmware is closed and cannot be modified directly; the square deadzone / square response can be implemented through external signal processing rather than native firmware changes. While tools like Steam Input can approximate square behavior, the goal is to combine physical square travel with software square interpretation, especially to gain usable corner resolution compared to a circular gate.
For visualization, I’ve attached an image of the joystick design concept, just imagine it within a PS5 shell.
Freelancers with experience in CAD/mechanical design, firmware, signal processing, or HID/driver development are preferred.
Deliverables
• CAD or print-ready file for the square restrictor gate
• Step-by-step installation guide with photos
• Script, profile, driver, or adapter solution that enforces square input behavior in Windows
• Demo clip confirming smooth corner travel and correct axis reporting
Acceptance
I’ll sign off once the gate installs flush within the existing shell, the stick reaches all four corners smoothly without binding, and the PC reports consistent, stable maximum X/Y values. I would then need the modified controller shipped to me.
I have a general idea of the goals and constraints, but I’m not an expert in controller internals, electronics, or driver development, so I’m relying on the freelancer’s expertise for the technical implementation.
Mechanical side:
I’m looking for a custom-fit square restrictor gate designed to integrate cleanly within the existing DualSense shell. The design should preserve full stick travel, allow smooth access to all four corners without binding, and remain flush once installed. The edges of the gate should not be perfectly sharp and should be slightly rounded. Hall-effect or TMR sensors would be preferred though no sensor change is required. A 3D-printable design is acceptable, provided tolerances and material recommendations are clearly specified.
Software side:
I’m looking for a driver-level remap, lightweight utility, or internal PCB solution — an external adapter is not preferred — that cleanly translates the stick’s raw X/Y limits into square coordinates before Windows or games see the input, with minimal, ideally negligible input lag. I understand the DualSense firmware is closed and cannot be modified directly; the square deadzone / square response can be implemented through external signal processing rather than native firmware changes. While tools like Steam Input can approximate square behavior, the goal is to combine physical square travel with software square interpretation, especially to gain usable corner resolution compared to a circular gate.
For visualization, I’ve attached an image of the joystick design concept, just imagine it within a PS5 shell.
Freelancers with experience in CAD/mechanical design, firmware, signal processing, or HID/driver development are preferred.
Deliverables
• CAD or print-ready file for the square restrictor gate
• Step-by-step installation guide with photos
• Script, profile, driver, or adapter solution that enforces square input behavior in Windows
• Demo clip confirming smooth corner travel and correct axis reporting
Acceptance
I’ll sign off once the gate installs flush within the existing shell, the stick reaches all four corners smoothly without binding, and the PC reports consistent, stable maximum X/Y values. I would then need the modified controller shipped to me.