How To Repurpose Old Game Console Controllers As Decorative Tree Toppers

As the holiday season approaches, many seek distinctive ways to personalize their decorations. For gamers and tech enthusiasts, one overlooked treasure lies in the drawer: retired game console controllers. Whether it’s a classic NES pad, a chunky PlayStation DualShock, or a sleek Xbox wireless model, these relics of digital entertainment can be reborn as eye-catching Christmas tree toppers. Combining nostalgia with sustainability, repurposing old controllers not only reduces e-waste but adds a playful, personalized touch to seasonal decor. This guide walks through how to transform your unused controllers into festive centerpieces that celebrate both gaming culture and holiday cheer.

Selecting the Right Controller

Not all controllers are equally suited for life at the top of a tree. The ideal candidate balances size, weight, and structural integrity. A bulky controller may overwhelm a small tree, while a fragile one could break under its own weight when mounted vertically. Prioritize models that are lightweight yet durable, with symmetrical designs that lend themselves to balanced placement.

Popular choices include:

• NES or SNES controllers: Lightweight, iconic design, easy to modify.
• Sega Genesis pads: Angular shape offers visual interest; often made of sturdy plastic.
• Original Xbox or PS2 controllers: Larger, so better suited for big trees or statement pieces.
• Wii Remotes: Slim and elongated—ideal for minimalist or modern setups.

Avoid controllers with broken casings, exposed circuitry, or heavy battery compartments unless you plan to gut and reinforce them. If multiple controllers are available, consider using two mirrored units to create a symmetrical star-like effect.

Tip: Choose a controller that holds personal significance—your first console, a multiplayer favorite, or a discontinued model—to add emotional resonance to your decor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conversion

Turning a functional controller into a decorative tree topper requires careful preparation and assembly. Follow this timeline to ensure a safe, polished result.

1. Disassemble the controller (optional): Remove screws and open the casing. This allows access to internal components and reduces weight. Discard batteries, motors, and circuit boards if not needed for display.
2. Clean thoroughly: Use isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth to wipe down plastic surfaces. Remove grime from buttons and joysticks accumulated over years of use.
3. Reinforce weak points: If the controller will be mounted upright, strengthen stress areas (like shoulder buttons or handle joints) with epoxy resin or plastic weld.
4. Add mounting hardware: Attach a threaded rod, dowel, or sturdy wire to the base. Insert it into a drilled hole and secure with hot glue or epoxy. Ensure it extends at least 4–6 inches for stability in the tree.
5. Decorate creatively: Wrap the cord around the base like tinsel, paint buttons gold or silver, or affix miniature ornaments to D-pads and analog sticks.
6. Weatherproof (for outdoor trees): Seal with clear matte spray varnish to protect against moisture and dust.
7. Top the tree: Gently insert the mounting rod into the highest branch, adjusting until level. Use floral wire for additional support if needed.

The entire process takes between 1–3 hours, depending on complexity and drying times for adhesives. Allow at least 24 hours before final installation if using strong-setting epoxies.

Design Ideas and Customization Options

Customization elevates a simple upcycle into a conversation piece. Consider themes that reflect your gaming heritage or blend with traditional holiday aesthetics.

Some popular design directions include:

• Retro Arcade Theme: Paint buttons to resemble Pac-Man mazes or pixel art. Add tiny LED lights behind translucent buttons for a glowing effect.
• Festive Glamour: Spray-paint the body in metallic gold, silver, or red. Glue on rhinestones or faux gems for extra sparkle.
• Character Tribute: Wrap the cord to mimic a character’s hair (e.g., Mario’s cap or Lara Croft’s braid). Attach a printed mini-portrait to the back panel.
• Minimalist Tech: Keep the original color scheme but polish the surface to a high shine. Ideal for modern or Scandinavian-style trees.

For families, involve children in decorating—let them draw favorite game symbols on sticker paper and apply them safely. Older gamers might appreciate subtle nods, like etching “Continue?” onto the Start button.

“Repurposing tech isn’t just about recycling—it’s about storytelling. A controller on a tree says, ‘This is part of our family history.’” — Lila Tran, Sustainable Design Curator at TechReuse Collective

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practices Table

Do	Don’t
Use lightweight controllers for small or artificial trees.	Mount heavy controllers without reinforcing the mounting rod.
Seal electronics if keeping circuits intact (to prevent corrosion).	Leave loose wires dangling where pets or kids can pull them.
Incorporate LED micro-lights powered by a small battery pack.	Plug the controller into any power source—this is purely decorative.
Label the topper with a small tag noting the console and year (e.g., “SNES – 1991”).	Use flammable materials like paper streamers near string lights.
Test balance by holding the controller upright before installing.	Force the mounting rod into dry branches—it may snap.

Mini Case Study: The Martinez Family’s Gaming Tree Tradition

In Austin, Texas, the Martinez family turned a nostalgic idea into an annual ritual. When their youngest child received a new gaming console, they found three old controllers in storage—each tied to a different phase of family life. Instead of discarding them, they transformed the PS3 controller into a Christmas tree topper during a weekend craft session.

They removed the internal components, painted the body in frosted white with silver accents, and embedded tiny blue LEDs behind the face buttons to mimic a \"powered-on\" glow. A ribbon labeled “Gaming Since 2007” was tied around the base. The project became a hit on social media, inspiring friends to start similar traditions.

Now, each year, they rotate which controller tops the tree, turning decoration into a living timeline of shared play sessions, late-night tournaments, and evolving tastes in games. Their experience underscores how repurposed tech can become heirloom decor—functional memory preserved in plastic and light.

Checklist: Preparing Your Controller Toper

Before beginning your project, gather supplies and confirm readiness with this checklist:

• ☐ Old game controller in decent physical condition
• ☐ Screwdriver set for disassembly (if needed)
• ☐ Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth
• ☐ Epoxy glue or plastic weld for reinforcement
• ☐ Wooden dowel, metal rod, or thick floral wire (6–8 inches long)
• ☐ Drill or heated tool to create mounting hole
• ☐ Spray paint or acrylics (optional)
• ☐ Decorative elements: LEDs, glitter, stickers, ribbon
• ☐ Clear sealant spray (especially for outdoor use)
• ☐ Safety gear: gloves, mask, eye protection

Having all materials ready ensures a smooth workflow and minimizes interruptions during adhesive curing or paint drying phases.

FAQ

Can I still use the controller for gaming after converting it?

No—once disassembled or modified with paint, glue, or mounting hardware, the controller will no longer function electronically. Always use a non-working or duplicate unit to preserve playable devices.

Is it safe to put electronics on a Christmas tree?

Yes, as long as no active circuits are powered. Remove batteries and avoid connecting to any power source. If using LED lights, ensure they’re battery-operated and insulated properly. Never plug anything into a wall outlet while attached to the tree.

How do I remove stubborn odors from old controllers?

Soak removable parts (like rubber buttons) in a mix of vinegar and water for 15 minutes. For fixed casings, wipe with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol and let air-dry for 24 hours. Avoid bleach, which can degrade plastic over time.

Conclusion: Turn Nostalgia Into Celebration

Repurposing old game console controllers as tree toppers bridges generations, honors personal history, and champions sustainable creativity. What once guided characters through virtual worlds can now crown a symbol of real-world joy and togetherness. These toppers are more than decorations—they’re emblems of play, progress, and the stories we carry forward.

With basic tools and a little imagination, anyone can give new purpose to outdated tech. Whether you're a lifelong gamer or simply looking for a unique twist on holiday decor, this project invites you to celebrate the past while creating lasting memories. Dust off that old controller, gather your crafting supplies, and let innovation lead the way.

💬 Have you tried turning tech into decor? Share your build story, photos, or customization tips in the comments—inspire others to reinvent their retro gear!