I can't decide if this custom Sonic 2 controller with spin dash force feedback is genius or Eggman-levels of ridiculous

I've been playing too much Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the original Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) lately, so much so that I see the horrors of Metropolis Zone when I close my eyes. Therefore, when I tell you that an electronics enthusiast is putting together a custom controller that marries the blue blur's spin dash with real-time force feedback, I promise I'm not hallucinating.

In a clip shared to r/SEGAGENESIS, Dr_BrownBR demonstrates the in-progress Sonic 2 controller and its synced-up rumble. The idea is that the pad will provide real-time force feedback when spin dashing in the iconic retro console sequel by spinning a motor left and right to match the 2D plane. Better still, the pad is also equipped with a tiny screen on top that acts as a visual charge meter, which may save you from dashing to the depths of Chemical Plant Zone.

The Sonic 2 controller is still very much a prototype. That much is obvious from the fact that its guts are hanging out in the video and its face buttons are bare microswitches, but Dr_BrownBR says they're already working on a second part to the project and is "actively counting on your help" when it comes to improvements and feedback.

Unique vibration controller for Sonic 2's SpinDash (Part 1) from r/SEGAGENESIS

The part that makes me suspicious that this is actually Dr Robotnik trying to torment me further is the use of a standard joystick rather than a D-pad. More often than not, 2D platformers from the 16-bit era require quick turns and movements that are far easier to pull off with digital controls, but Eggman Dr_BrownBR says, "It's an option, a choice, a matter of taste," in response to lighthearted jabs.

At the moment, the controller appears to be working exclusively with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 running on a PC emulator. If I had my way, it would eventually work with a real Sega Mega Drive, but the console's original DE-9 port isn't remotely capable of driving the real-time spin dash motor and LCD screen. That said, the pad could work with more than just the legendary '90s sequel, since Sonic Mania and Origins both feature spinny ball abilities, and the latter adds them to Mr. Needlemouse's back catalogue of classic outings.

With any luck, the Sonic 2 Spin Ball controller will eventually become the ultimate gamepad for ruining Eggman's day. It just so happens that I'm currently testing a bunch of modern controllers for the Genesis and other aging systems. While I'd probably pick up an 8Bitdo M30 for $22.99 if you're looking for something practical, I'd happily switch to the DIY pad just to feel Sonic rip past those damn Metropolis Zone starfish (if you know, you know).

• Sega Genesis controllers at Amazon
• Retro controllers at Amazon

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