You will need a piece of cardboard. The original NES controller was 5.5" x 2". That is a nice size for our build and possible add-ons later.

You will need to mark where you want the up, down, left, right, and ground brass brad to be placed. The traditional pattern for the directional brads is best. I placed my ground brad where you might find a button for jump or shoot.

Use the tip of a pencil to create the whole the brad will push through for each mark on the cardboard.

Place the brads into the spots you punched through on the cardboard. You might want to give a bit more space between the buttons than I did.

Attach the alligator clips to the directional arrows and the Earth on the Makey Makey.

Connect the other end of the alligator clips to the corresponding brass brad on the back of your controller. Make sure to not accidentally switch the connections.

I use clear tape to secure the alligator clips in place on the cardboard. Some people use copper tape to secure the connection of the clip and the brad and use tape over that. It all depends on the maker.

Go to this page on Makey Makey's website. You can test your connections with the arrow keys. You should make music with each directional button as long as your other hand is touching the Earth brad. If you are having trouble, check the connections to make sure everything is secure and that the alligator clips are not touching others clips or brads.

Decorate! Take some time and make the controller your own. I have had students use markers and colored pencils. I've used the laser cutter in the past for cool etched designs. Anything is possible!