The Orca
Orca Analog Controllers
The Orca
Overview
The Orca is the first analog controller for platform fighters, built to reproduce stick-like control ranges without a physical stick.
Its use of Hall Effect directional inputs places it in the small but growing analog leverless niche.
Hardware
Physical Characteristics
The Orca measures 331mm (13.03 inches) in width, 185mm (7.28 inches) in depth, and 39mm (1.54 inches) in height. Weight is approximately 1000 grams.
Materials
Case: Acrylic construction.
Switch Plate: Aluminum. Provides structural rigidity and mounting for switches.
Buttons: Mixture of switch types including analog Hall Effect switches and digital mechanical switches.
Switch Configuration
The Orca uses a hybrid switch configuration with both analog and digital switches.
Analog Directional Switches: Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect switches
Alternative Analog Switches: Lekker Linear45 V2
Digital Switches: Kailh Speed Silver
Used for action buttons and secondary inputs.
Low-Profile Secondary Switches: Kailh Choc V2
Used for additional function buttons.
Analog Features
The Orca implements several analog-specific features:
Two-Stage Spring System: Physical notch emulation for directional inputs.
Variable-Press Analog Switches: Directional inputs respond to pressure levels for tilt control.
True Neutral Additive SOCD: Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Direction cleaning optimized for analog inputs.
One-Button Tilt Angles: Dedicated buttons for specific tilt attack angles.
Two-Button Wavedash Angles: Button combinations for precise wavedash angles.
Electronics
- PCB / Controller: RP2040-based PCB handling USB communication, analog input processing, and protocol translation
- Firmware / Software: Custom Orca firmware with GP2040-CE-derived XInput support and a web-based configurator
- Special features: Browser-based remapper for analog settings and button mapping
Compatibility
- Firmware: Custom Orca firmware with GP2040-CE-derived XInput support
- Native support: GameCube-style play, PC, and standard USB adapter use
- Connection: Wired USB-C, with a USB-C to GameCube adapter cable included
- Notes: Switch support depends on the adapter path and firmware mode being used. This is not a stock GP2040-CE implementation.
In the Box
The Orca includes the Orca Analog controller, USB-C to GameCube adapter cable, and a 2-year warranty.
Notes
Comparison to Digital Controllers
The Orca differs from digital leverless controllers (such as Frame1, B0XX, and Smash Box) in its use of analog Hall Effect switches for directional inputs. While digital controllers use on/off button presses for directions, the Orca’s Hall Effect switches allow for variable input levels similar to a traditional analog stick.
This enables:
- True tilt attacks based on input pressure
- Walk speed variations
- Precise angle control for recovery moves
However, this also means the controller requires different input techniques compared to fully digital leverless controllers.
History
Release History
The Orca was released on December 20, 2024 by Orca Analog Controllers. The controller was designed as an analog alternative to existing digital leverless controllers.
Version History
December 20, 2024 - Initial Release
- Price: $249.00 USD
- Processor: RP2040
- Analog switches: Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect (or Lekker Linear45 V2)
- Digital switches: Kailh Speed Silver
- Low-profile switches: Kailh Choc V2
- Case: Acrylic with aluminum switch plate
- Dimensions: 331mm x 185mm x 39mm
- Weight: 1000g
- Firmware: GP2040-CE with custom analog extensions
2024-Present - Production
- Current sale price: $219.00 USD (discounted from $249.00)
- No hardware revisions documented (please rienne :D)