B0XX
20XX
B0XX
Overview
The B0XX is a leverless controller released in Summer 2021 by 20XX.
The B0XX was developed over a five-year period from 2016 to 2021 by Aziz “Hax$” Al-Yami with engineering and programming by Kyle “Simple” McDowell and production by Stephen “Streamlord” Kasmir.
Development
Origins and Design History
The B0XX project began in 2016 when Hax$ (Aziz Al-Yami) sought to create an ergonomic alternative to the Nintendo GameCube controller. Hax$ had previously assisted in the development of the Smash Box by Hit Box Arcade but parted ways in January 2017 to pursue an independent design with improved button placement and tournament balancing.
Development was conducted by Rutgers University engineering students Arhum Siddiqi and James Taylor in collaboration with Hax$. The team went through multiple prototype iterations over four years, with constant redesign based on competitive testing and feedback from local tournaments.
The B0XX Manifesto (published 2018) outlined the design philosophy: the controller must coexist with the GameCube controller competitively rather than surpass it, requiring deliberate limitations (“nerfs”) on certain inputs to maintain tournament legality.
Release
The B0XX officially launched in Summer 2021 after five years of development.
Technical Specifications
Materials
Case: Steel with acrylic top panel.
Buttons: Twenty Sanwa OBSF-24 arcade buttons (24mm diameter).
Stock Switch: Sanwa SW-68 microswitch
Mounting: The 24mm snap-in buttons mount in control panels up to 3.7mm thick using 24mm mounting holes.
Button Layout
The B0XX uses a 20-button layout optimized for Super Smash Bros. Melee:
- Directional buttons
- Action buttons
- Modifier buttons (X and Y modifiers for tilt attacks)
- Function buttons (Start, Z, etc.)
USB Interface
Port: USB-C.
Cables Included:
- USB-C to USB-A cable (for PC/Switch)
- USB-C to GameCube cable (for GameCube/Wii/N64)
Compatibility: Native PC support (no adapter required), GameCube, Wii, N64 (with optional cable), and Switch via adapter.
Hardware Revisions
The B0XX has undergone four hardware board revisions (R1, R2, R3, R4) since launch.
R1 (Release 1) - 2021
The initial production run. Uses an Arduino microcontroller.
Firmware compatibility:
- v1.00: Shipped with orders below 1270
- v2.00: Shipped with orders 1271-1303
- v2.3: R1-only firmware with Lightshield support and polling rate increased from 125Hz to 500Hz
- Maximum supported: v3.4
Limitations: R1 boards do not support XInput or Native Switch modes even with later firmware. D-Input is used instead.
R2 and R3 - 2021-2022
Minor PCB revisions improving reliability and manufacturing consistency. R2 and R3 boards are functionally similar and share firmware compatibility. The R3 also uses an Arduino microcontroller.
Firmware compatibility:
- v1.00 through v3.4
- v4.1 (with R4 compatibility layer)
R4 - 2022-2023
Major hardware revision introducing significant PCB changes and new firmware architecture, thanks to the use of an RP2040 microcontroller.
Key changes:
- New PCB design with different component layout
- USB mass storage-based firmware updates (hold Start + C-Down while plugging in)
- Improved native USB support
Firmware compatibility:
- v4.1 and later versions
- Native USB patches
- FGC/Brook mode support with A button doubling functionality
Firmware Version History
v1.00 (Launch) - Initial firmware shipped with release units.
v2.00 - Shipped with orders 1271-1303.
v2.11-v2.12 - SOCD reactivation improvements for Melee/Ultimate and Keyboard/Rivals of Aether modes.
v2.3 (R1 only) - Lightshield support added. Polling rate increased from 125Hz to 500Hz.
v3.4 (R1/2/3) - Project M mode now compatible with Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl.
v4.1 (R1/2/3/4) - Major update with Native USB support. FGC/Brook mode improvements. R1/2/3 require different installation method than R4.
Native USB Patches - Ongoing patches for R4 boards improving USB compatibility and input handling.
DIY Construction
Open Source Resources
While the official B0XX is a manufactured product, community DIY alternatives exist.
DIYB0XX Project (GitHub): Released January 2, 2019. GPL-3.0 license. A Community-developed method for building B0XX-style controllers.
DIYB0XX Versions:
- Version 1: WoodB0XX (wooden case, laser-cut acrylic panel)
- Version 2: AluminumB0XX (smaller aluminum case)
- Version 3: LaserCutB0XX (laser-cut wooden case with new GCCPCB)
- MiniB0XX: 3D printable case variant
Crane’s Lab: Documentation and build logs available at craneslab.xyz.
DIY Components
Electronic: Arduino or compatible microcontroller (varies by DIYB0XX version). PCB designs available in DIYB0XX repository. Sanwa OBSF-24 buttons or compatible alternatives.
Mechanical: Wood, aluminum, or 3D printed case (depending on DIYB0XX version). Acrylic top panel. Sanwa SW-68 microswitches (for digital buttons).
Retail Package
The B0XX Matte Edition ($229.99) includes the B0XX controller (pre-assembled), USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C to GameCube cable, and B0XX faux leather sleeve.
The Limited Edition ($279.99) includes the above plus numbered certification.
Optional Accessories
Available separately from 20XX:
- 20MX Kit (reduces actuation force required)
- N64 cable (for native N64 support)
- Replacement button sets
- Carrying cases
Version History
2016-2020: Development Prototype phase with multiple design iterations. Testing at local tournaments. Collaboration with Rutgers engineering students.
January 2017: Hax$ parts ways with Hit Box Arcade to pursue independent B0XX development.
Summer 2021: Initial Release (R1)
- Price: $229.99 USD (Matte Edition)
- Board: R1
- Firmware: v1.00
- Buttons: 20x Sanwa OBSF-24
- Case: Steel with acrylic top
2021-2022: R2 and R3 Minor hardware revisions for manufacturing improvements. No user-facing changes.
2022-2023: R4 Release Major PCB redesign with an RP2040 MCU and improved native USB support.
2025: Limited Release Limited Edition numbered releases at $279.99, intended to honor Hax$‘s legacy after his passing.
Community Resources
DIY/Open Source:
- DIYB0XX GitHub (GPL-3.0)
- Crane’s Lab Project B
Third-Party: