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Worklog: Wii U Gamepad Original Screen Custom LCD Driver Board

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Hey guys!

I recently was doing some research on the Wii U, and found the original screen model number from a couple sources online here: https://bitbuilt.net/forums/index.php?threads/wii-u-gamepad-screen-true-model-number.5784/

I have decided to begin working on a custom LCD driver board for the original game pad screen. The first question you might ask is "Why do such a thing?"

When modding a Wii U gamepad to put things like a mini computer, or a trimmed Wii motherboard, most people will go with the Innolux AT065TN14, a 6.5 inch LCD. The main difference between the Innolux, and OG Gamepad screen is, the OG Gamepad screen is IPS and LVDS instead of TTL, whereas the Innolux display is not IPS, and is TTL.

I mainly like this project because it will give the authenticity of the original Gamepad feel and appearance.

I have configured a plan with the following features (so far):

The LCD controller will be a RTD2660 running Custom Firmware for the Gamepad screen which has a few things to configure, including it running a bizarre resolution (854x480, not 800x480)
It will be configured mainly for VGA to run at its native 480p resolution.
It will have outputs for Composite (mainly for debugging on consoles that have not been modded to run 480p, and run 480i)
The custom firmware will have the original OSD controls for now (may be changed later)

Hope you guys enjoy the development of this project, I'll be sure to keep you updated!
 
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Hey there! Very interesting project you have here. I was trying to build a trimmed portable Wii inside a wiiu-gamepad for some time now. Most tasks like cooling or the battery seem managable, but i couldn't figure out how to use the original screen. Your solution would be perfect for this application. Do you plan on publishing the firmware when it's finished? Btw how is the progress? Did you manage to test it?
 
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KiWii Portable (In progress)
Hey there! Very interesting project you have here. I was trying to build a trimmed portable Wii inside a wiiu-gamepad for some time now. Most tasks like cooling or the battery seem managable, but i couldn't figure out how to use the original screen. Your solution would be perfect for this application. Do you plan on publishing the firmware when it's finished? Btw how is the progress? Did you manage to test it?
I haven't gotten around to testing since I've been so busy. The files for the firmware, and the pcb sources will also be released when everything is confirmed to be working
 

ahrlad

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That's very interesting! I only just saw the datasheet, I'd have thought they'd use a mipi dsi display for sure. Using a simple lvds makes it much more usable.

How d'you figure the backlight driver, are the standard driver boards able to output voltages that high, or have you made a custom design from scratch?
 

MRKane

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And here I am having given away two Wii U gamepads just recently when I could have stuffed another PS2 inside one! That one I made (and then sold) really was one of my favorite builds, it's just such a comfy case!
 

Bober

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Honestly instead of getting the original screen I would just buy the one off of 4layertech and just 3d print an attachment to make it fit.
 
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I am looking, the same as you, to reuse the gamepad screen, I found that the Nintendo Switch screen also measures the same and contains more resolution.

SpecificationNintendo SwitchWii U GamePad
Size6.2 inches or 7 inches (OLED model)6.2 inches
Resolution1280 x 720 pixels (original model) or 2160 x 1200 pixels (OLED model)854 x 480 pixels
TypeLCD or OLED (OLED model)LCD
Refresh rate60 Hz60 Hz
Aspect ratio16:916:9
 
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Hypothetically, would it be possible to turn a gamepad into a Wii Portable... but ALSO keep it as a Wii U Gamepad? Like, have some sort of switch on the back to turn it on either mode? Or would that require a redesign of the Wii U Gamepad PCB?
 

Stitches

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Hypothetically, would it be possible to turn a gamepad into a Wii Portable... but ALSO keep it as a Wii U Gamepad? Like, have some sort of switch on the back to turn it on either mode? Or would that require a redesign of the Wii U Gamepad PCB?
There isn't enough space, and the Wii U LCD can't be driven by standard video outputs yet
 
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Was just thinking today about the possibility of making a custom driver for the gamepad's screen to help with portabilizing, google'd around to see if anyone had done this so far- and came upon this thread!
I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor!! Let me know if/when any progress gets made :)
 

Joshy5

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I love this! But can't wait for it, so I bought the innonux.
I asked a couple of lcd sellers if they had driver boards for that screen, but they either said no or that they would have to make one and it would be very costly.
I don't know if there's more to it than just the board. Would they be making the custom firmware also?
 
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KiWii Portable (In progress)
Hey guys, update time!

Since I now have time and money to work on my hobby projects again. I am going to start working on this driver board again. I'm currently designing a schematic for the Driver Board but have not finished Custom Firmware yet, but hopefully I can get you guys more updates on this because I know a lot of people are eager to use this for their own projects instead of hacking up a gamepad to use a crappy 6.5" Innolux display.

Stay tuned!
 

ahrlad

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Hey guys, update time!

Since I now have time and money to work on my hobby projects again. I am going to start working on this driver board again. I'm currently designing a schematic for the Driver Board but have not finished Custom Firmware yet, but hopefully I can get you guys more updates on this because I know a lot of people are eager to use this for their own projects instead of hacking up a gamepad to use a crappy 6.5" Innolux display.

Stay tuned!
I shall enter discord to make my expertise available lmao
 
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KiWii Portable (In progress)
Thought I would give yall an update!

I have finished the circuits for the Backlight LED driver and started looking into the RTD2660 documentation. Thanks to the datasheet for the screen I was able to easily align the pins for the 50 pin connector, and the LED backlight 4 pin connector. Right now I’m just wiring up the Voltage Regulators, video outputs, and after I ensure this works, I will then start work on the custom firmware. Not sure about video inputs but I think I will stick with VGA, Composite, and maybe HDMI.

Hopefully it will work out and I hope to see a working board by the end of the year.

Keep in mind I will probably take a bit of time to ensure quality control before I make a decision on selling the board or open sourcing them, as I am in a bind between the 2.

Stay tuned!
 
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