Brook Zero PI Fighting Board (PI/PS3/PS2/PSX/PC/Switch)

Zero-Delay PCBs are found just about everywhere these days, promising no-lag performance and a very economical price tag, often costing less than $12. They are widely used in retro MAME PC arcade cabinet builds and interact with Retropie or EmulationStation boxes powered by Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi variants. However, many lack features that are desirable in the PC fighting game scene, such as X-Input and SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction). 

Taiwanese company Brook - designers of the popular family of Super Converters and one of the first manufacturers whose converters managed to gain tentative acceptance by EVO - introduce the Pi Zero, an inexpensive yet fully-featured input control PCB designed for retro arcade and FightStick builders. 

Pi, Console and PC Compatibility at Just $25.  

The Zero Pi Fighting Board PCB packs a lot into its small price, offering control over the following:

• Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi (via USB)
• Playstation 3 (via USB) 
• Playstation 2 (via J15 connection)
• PSX/Playstation 1 (via J15 connection) 
• PC (via USB, X-Input)
• Nintendo Switch (via USB)
   

Connection Features and Notes

The Pi Zero retains many of the connectors and headers that are now part of the Universal Fighting Board. The inclusion of JST headers instead of pin headers allow you connect our 4-Pin L3/R3/Touchpad Button Harness to this model. As now common in the Brook family of PCB boards, you can utilize USB 2.0 B printer cables to connect to the board, such as the 18 Inch Male A-B USB 2.0 Cable which connects to a Neutrik NAUSB-W-B A/B USB Feed-Through, or the 10 Foot Male A-B USB 2.0 Cable.

Screw Terminals Included

The Zero Pi possesses a screw terminal header.  This means you can attach separate signal and ground wires to the PCB.

For easier installs, you can also purchase our 20-Pin Joystick/Button Harness.  This harness includes eight .110 terminal button connectors, plus 3 option button connectors with ground daisy chain, plus 5-pin JST connector for Sanwa and Seimitsu compatible joystick levers. This will attach to the 20 pin male header located towards the bottom left of the PCB.

All-Button Conversion Harness

Lately, many fighting game players have flocked to the alternative, all-button control. You can purchase our 5-Pin to All-Button Conversion Harness, which connects to the 5-pin female joystick connector on our 20-pin Joystick/Button Harness. This allows you to utilize the Zero Pi's built-in SOCD cleaning feature.

Compatible with Wingman FGC, XE2, XB2 Converter for Playstation, Xbox

Those looking to expand the Zero Pi's console compatibility can do so using Brook's family of Wingman Converters

1. Brook Wingman XE2 Multi-Console to PS3/PS4/PS5*/Switch Converter
2. Brook Wingman XB 2 Multi-Console to Xbox Series Converter
3. Brook Wingman FGC Multi-Console to PS5/PS4/PC Converter

Brook Wingman FGC Compatibility
Brook Wingman XE2 Compatibility	Brook Wingman XB2 Compatibility

Feature List

This device automatically detects PS2, PS3 consoles and PC when connected via USB. You can also force switching via button input when connecting to the console. Notable features include:

• PS3 and PC control via USB output
• PS2, PSX control via J15 connection
• Nintendo Switch support - (older models of Zero Pi can receive Switch support via firmware update.  See "Support" tab for link to Firmware and mode switch instructions).
• Console auto-detection 
• Firmware upgradeable system via USB connection.  Please see "Support" tab for links to latest firmware and additional wiring information.
• XINPUT Mode (available when connecting to PC and software that utilizes this controller mode).
• SOCD Cleaner support for Stickless/Allbutton control. CPT Tournament compliance (Up + Down = Neutral, Left + Right = Neutral) via firmware update.
• Screw terminals and 20 pin (2x10) housing for 20-Pin Joystick/Button Harness, future expansion or passthrough to other PCBA.
• JST and pin headers available for VCC, player 1-4 LEDs, RS, DP and LS mode, Turbo button, and alternative USB output connector.
• 96x45mm (3.77" x 1.77") dimensions. Near identical form factor and connections to Brook Universal Fighting Board with Headers makes installation familiar to most joystick builders.
  
  

What's Included

The Brook Zero Pi Fighting Board includes the PCB with headers.  The device is wrapped in a padded static-free pouch, and encased in a protective, professionally-designed box.  Software support is upcoming from Brook's website.

For those who intend to play on PC, or looking for a fully-featured Rasberry Pi or Orange Pi input device for your arcade stick, the $25 Zero Pi offers some of the best features that justify its price over other Zero Delay Boards.

Tournament Acceptance

As of now, the Brook Super Converter and Wingman series are allowed by EVO, one of the most popular global tournament events.  Often EVO's policies are adopted at smaller tournaments. This policy is a tentative acceptance - should the converter become disabled via Sony firmware update before EVO, it could face a ban.  You can learn more about it here.