Blueretro

Project Overview

BlueRetro is an open-source universal Bluetooth controller adapter designed to enable modern Bluetooth controller compatibility with pre-USB gaming consoles. The project, developed by an individual creator, has gained significant traction in the retro gaming community, with hardware makers generating $1,000 monthly contributions.

Business and Manufacturing Journey

In 2024, the creator manufactured and sold 300 units of an Xbox-specific adapter, generating approximately $7,000 after expenses. The production process involved sourcing assembled PCB panels from China, followed by manual programming, connector soldering, and case assembly—a 48-hour intensive labor process. While not financially optimal, the creator viewed it as a valuable learning experience.

Community and Adoption

The project has seen widespread adoption, including usage by Chinese manufacturers on platforms like AliExpress. Notably, one Chinese company has been sponsoring the project through GitHub since August 2022. The open-source nature of the firmware allows hardware makers to voluntarily contribute based on their unit sales, creating a sustainable community-driven model.

Technical Approach

BlueRetro’s firmware is designed to be universal, supporting multiple pre-USB gaming consoles through Bluetooth technology. The creator maintains the project as a hobby, with the source code available on GitHub, enabling flexible adaptation by various hardware manufacturers.