Click here to go back to the homepage!

    I don't know why, but I've always loved making older peripherals work in unintended ways. I like it when adapters let me use things like controllers on other devices, I enjoy it when I can use a gadget to enhance older technology, and I especially love it when I use accessories to interact with different operating systems than what they were made for. I've learned a few different ways to do this, and I'd like to share some of them today.

    So one hobby that I really enjoy is playing video games. And since I've had the means to buy my own games and consoles, I have assembled my share of controllers over the years. And sometimes I do want to use a system's controller somewhere else. This is where my adapter obsession comes into play, and one company that has made my wildest ideas come true is 8BitDo.

    One adapter I've used a lot was their USB Wireless Adapter version 1 and 2. (catchy names I know) Basically, it lets you use things like a PlayStation 3 or Wii U Pro controller on devices like a Nintendo Switch, PC, or even an Android tablet. I have used this adapter so much, especially with my PS3 controller. I still have my PlayStation 3 and I love the controller for it, but I was a bit bummed that I couldn't use it for newer games. Well, when I saw that 8BitDo's adapter would help me do this, I bought 3 to test them out on with my PS3 controller and anything else I had. And let me tell you, playing Splatoon 3 or Minecraft Bedrock edition for Android on a controller that I've used for years was so nice. The sad thing is that, unlike most controllers compatible with this adapter, you need special software to pair it with a PS3 controller. And recently that hasn't been working on my new Windows 11 computer. Hopefully that gets fixed soon, and if it's compatible with it, I definitely will be using this adapter and controller combo on the Switch 2.

    Another 8BitDo product I adore is the GBros. adapter. It's a small purple thing that lets you use a GameCube and Wii Classic controller on the Switch or PC/Android via Bluetooth. I've had a blast using this thing, specifically with the Classic Controller Pro. I don't know why, but I've always enjoyed how those controllers feel. They're very lightweight and have a layout similar to the PS2 and PS3 controllers, which is great as I grew up with PlayStation. I also like the fact that the analog sticks are inside an octagon rather than a circle, so it feels snappier to aim in certain cases. And even though this adapter uses 2 AA batteries, I was able to work with that by using some rechargeable lithium batteries I got on Amazon. Using these controllers on games like Mario Party Superstars and OG Doom on both the Switch and Android has been perfect. Honestly, if I ever get into PC gaming, I would love to use this combo for as many games as possible there. They just feel nice and I'm glad I can keep using them for new gaming experiences. My adapter shenanigans don't stop with gaming however, I've also done this for my music listening too.

    I have been interested in CDs and CD players recently. One thing I appreciate is that you have to really choose what you want to listen to because, while you can switch discs if you want to listen to a song on a different album, it's a lot more time consuming that just listening to the album or mix CD you're playing already. And while I love that older way of doing things, sometimes it's nice to modernize a bit.

    One day at the airport, I saw this gadget from AirFly that lets you connect it to a headphone jack and it will transmit the audio over Bluetooth. They're intended for those entertainment consoles on planes, but I thought they could be used in other ways too. Well, as I was getting more into CD players and found a nice pair of headphones that worked wired and wirelessly, I decided to use this device with some of my players. And wow, it really is freeing to listen to music and not worry about any cables. Now I will say that cables will always give you the best experience audio wise, and honestly I still tend to prefer listening to music wired. But in some situations, like when I go to the library and want listen to a CD while writing, I will use this Bluetooth adapter as I tend to move around a lot even when sitting. I will also say, this thing works best when using the line out jack and not the headphone jack. The reason being is that the line out is the audio without any amplifications, and using the line out helps avoid any distortions. Besides, I just find it funny that I can modernize my 1990's CD player in a way that would have never been thought of when it was made. Speaking of which, there is one other way I like update older tech.

    I love to use computer accessories on things like smartphones and tablets. This ranges to many different devices as well. I love to use keyboards for one as they make it easier for me to flesh out my thoughts and be as detailed as possible. And because of USB C hubs, I've been able to do this easily. From writing text messages on my phone to working on blog drafts on my tablet, it just feels more natural to do this with physical keys. I've also used things like a Zip Disk drive to transfer and save small files, and to see if any of my Zip Disks are having reading issues. I want to go further with this still, like seeing if I can listen to a music CD or watch a movie on DVD with a USB disc drive. I just find it fun and fascinating to do this, mainly because these accessories were intended for giant PC towers and not a computer that fits in your pocket. I also feels like it makes these gadgets not as obsolete, and so long as they can be used on newer hardware, why not give it a try.

    I have even more weird ways I use technology both new and old, and I think I'll elaborate them more in their own posts. For now, I can at least give an idea of what I like doing and how I interact with the devices I have around me. And weither it's using game controllers on different systems, modernizing older electronics I have with dongles, or using past accessories on modern smartphones and tablets, I just find it fun to try and connect everything to as much as possible. One time, when my older sister brought her friend and their kids over, I played the Switch with them and the kids were so shocked that I was using an old controller that the one of the boys said I was a wizard. I like to think of that now whenever I'm partaking in one of my experiments.

Click here to go back to the homepage!