SENSORS/ACTUATORS

ESP32 C3 Super Mini - Joystick

Learn how to connect and program a joystick module with your ESP32 C3 Super Mini board. This beginner-friendly tutorial covers everything from wiring to reading analog values and converting them to control commands.

In this ESP32 C3 Super Mini joystick tutorial, you'll learn:

What a joystick sensor is and how it outputs X/Y coordinates
How to wire the joystick module to ESP32 C3 Super Mini
How to program ESP32 C3 Super Mini to read joystick analog values
How to convert joystick readings to directional commands
How to read the built-in pushbutton state

Hardware Preparation

1	×	ESP32 C3 Super Mini
1	×	USB Cable Type-A to Type-C (for USB-A PC)
1	×	USB Cable Type-C to Type-C (for USB-C PC)
1	×	Joystick
1	×	Breadboard
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	Optionally, DC Power Jack

Or you can buy the following kits:

DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables .

Overview of Joystick Sensor

The joystick sensor is an analog input module that detects position in two dimensions and includes a built-in pushbutton.

Key features of the joystick module:

Two internal potentiometers positioned perpendicular to each other
Outputs X-coordinate as analog value (0 to 4095 on ESP32)
Outputs Y-coordinate as analog value (0 to 4095 on ESP32)
Built-in pushbutton for click detection
Creates 2D coordinates based on joystick position
Center position values represent the rest state
Commonly used in game controllers, RC toys, and machine controls
Perfect for directional input in Arduino and ESP32 projects
Beginner-friendly with simple analog reading functions

Pinout

The joystick module has 5 pins for connecting to your ESP32 C3 Super Mini:

GND: Connect to ground (0V)
VCC: Connect to power supply (3.3V)
VRX: Analog output for horizontal position (X-axis)
VRY: Analog output for vertical position (Y-axis)
SW: Digital output from internal pushbutton (normally HIGH with pull-up resistor, LOW when pressed)

How It Works

X-axis movement (left/right):

Moving joystick left/right changes voltage on VRX pin
Voltage ranges from 0V (left) to 3.3V (right)
ESP32 C3 Super Mini reads analog values from 0 to 4095
Value is proportional to horizontal thumb position

Y-axis movement (up/down):

Moving joystick up/down changes voltage on VRY pin
Voltage ranges from 0V (up) to 3.3V (down)
ESP32 C3 Super Mini reads analog values from 0 to 4095
Value is proportional to vertical thumb position

Diagonal movement:

Both VRX and VRY voltages change simultaneously
Each axis outputs proportional to position projection
Creates smooth 2D coordinates for any direction

Pushbutton function:

Press joystick down to activate internal button
With pull-up resistor, SW pin outputs 3.3V normally
Pressing button pulls SW pin to 0V (GND)
ESP32 reads HIGH when released, LOW when pressed

Wiring Diagram

Connect your joystick module to the ESP32 C3 Super Mini following this wiring diagram:

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

Connection table:

Joystick Pin	ESP32 C3 Super Mini Pin
GND	GND
VCC	3.3V
VRX	A1
VRY	A0
SW	D10

How To Program For Joystick

The joystick has two programming components to handle with your ESP32 C3 Super Mini:

Reading analog axes (X, Y coordinates):

Use analogRead() function for VRX and VRY pins
Returns values from 0 to 4095 on ESP32 C3 Super Mini
Simple one-line read for each axis

int valueX = analogRead(A1); int valueY = analogRead(A0);

Reading digital button (SW pin):

Treat as standard pushbutton input
Use ezButton library for easy debouncing
Library enables internal pull-up resistor automatically
See ESP32 C3 Super Mini - Button tutorial for details
Button code examples provided in following sections

Converting values to commands:

Raw analog values may need conversion for control applications
Convert to directional commands (UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT)
Map to servo angles for pan-tilt mechanisms
Scale to motor speed values
Example conversion codes provided below

ESP32 C3 Super Mini Code

This section provides multiple ESP32 C3 Super Mini joystick examples:

What these code examples demonstrate:

Reading X and Y analog values from joystick
Reading analog values plus pushbutton state
Converting analog readings to directional commands
Mapping joystick position to servo motor angles
Practical applications for game and robot control

Reads analog values from joystick

Detailed Instructions

New to ESP32 C3 Mini? Complete our Getting Started with ESP32 C3 Mini tutorial first to set up your development environment.
Wire the components: Follow the wiring diagram shown above to connect the joystick to your ESP32 C3 Super Mini.
Connect the board: Plug your ESP32 C3 Super Mini into your computer using a USB Type-C cable.
Open Arduino IDE: Launch the Arduino IDE on your computer.
Select board and port: Choose ESP32 C3 Super Mini from the board menu and select the correct COM port.
Upload the code: Copy the code above, paste it into Arduino IDE, and click the Upload button.
Test the joystick: Push the joystick's thumb maximally to its limits in all directions.
Rotate the joystick: Move the thumb in a complete circle (clockwise or counterclockwise).
Open Serial Monitor: Check the output to see X and Y coordinate values.
Identify directions: Watch the Serial Monitor while rotating to identify which positions correspond to left/right/up/down (X=0 is left, Y=0 is up).
Pro Tip: Mark the joystick base with arrows showing the coordinate directions for easy reference in future projects.

Newbiely | Arduino IDE 2.3.8

──

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Newbiely.ino

···

8 Serial.println("Hello World!");

Output

Serial Monitor

Message (Enter to send message to 'ESP32C3 Dev Module' on 'COM15')

New Line

9600 baud

X: 2048, Y: 2012 X: 3890, Y: 2015 X: 4095, Y: 2456 X: 3876, Y: 3920 X: 2034, Y: 4095 X: 245, Y: 3905 X: 0, Y: 2467 X: 212, Y: 134 X: 2048, Y: 0 X: 3845, Y: 189 X: 2056, Y: 2018

Ln 11, Col 1

ESP32C3 Dev Module on COM15

※ NOTE THAT:

You may notice the analog values are not perfectly linear with joystick movement. This is due to the ESP32 C3 Super Mini's ADC characteristics, not the joystick itself. See the ADC calibration note at the end of this tutorial for more information.

Reads analog values and reads the button state from a joystick

/* * This ESP32 C3 Super Mini code was developed by newbiely.com * * This ESP32 C3 Super Mini code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/esp32-c3/esp32-c3-super-mini-joystick */ #include <ezButton.h> #define VRX_PIN A1 // The ESP32 C3 SuperMini pin connected to VRX pin #define VRY_PIN A0 // The ESP32 C3 SuperMini pin connected to VRY pin #define SW_PIN D10 // The ESP32 C3 SuperMini pin connected to SW pin ezButton button(SW_PIN); int valueX = 0; // to store the X-axis value int valueY = 0; // to store the Y-axis value int bValue = 0; // To store value of the button void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); // Set the ADC attenuation to 11 dB (up to ~3.3V input) analogSetAttenuation(ADC_11db); button.setDebounceTime(50); // set debounce time to 50 milliseconds } void loop() { button.loop(); // MUST call the loop() function first // read X and Y analog values valueX = analogRead(VRX_PIN); valueY = analogRead(VRY_PIN); // Read the button value bValue = button.getState(); if (button.isPressed()) { Serial.println("The button is pressed"); // TODO do something here } if (button.isReleased()) { Serial.println("The button is released"); // TODO do something here } // print data to Serial Monitor on Arduino IDE Serial.print("x = "); Serial.print(valueX); Serial.print(", y = "); Serial.print(valueY); Serial.print(" : button = "); Serial.println(bValue); }

Detailed Instructions

Install ezButton library: Click the Library Manager icon in the left navigation bar of Arduino IDE.
Search for library: Type "ezButton" in the search box.
Find the library: Locate the button library by ArduinoGetStarted.com.
Install: Click the Install button to add ezButton library to your Arduino IDE.

Search for ezButton created by ArduinoGetStarted.com and click the Install button.

Newbiely | Arduino IDE 2.3.8

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Library Manager

ezButton

All

ezButton by ArduinoGetStarted.com

Button library supports debounce, pressed/released events and the press counting. It is easy to use with multiple buttons. The library can be used for push-button, momentary switches, toggle switch, magnetic contact switch (door sensor)... It is designed for not only beginners but also experienced users. More info

1.0.6

INSTALL

Newbiely.ino

···

1 void setup() {

Output

Serial Monitor

Ln 1, Col 1

ESP32C3 Dev Module on COM15

Upload the code: Copy the code above into Arduino IDE and click Upload.
Test X/Y movement: Push the joystick thumb left, right, up, and down.
Test button: Press the joystick thumb down from the top to activate the button.
View results: Open Serial Monitor to see X, Y values and button state changes.
Pro Tip: The ezButton library automatically handles debouncing, giving you clean button press detection without extra code.

Newbiely | Arduino IDE 2.3.8

──

☐

Newbiely.ino

···

8 Serial.println("Hello World!");

Output

Serial Monitor

Message (Enter to send message to 'ESP32C3 Dev Module' on 'COM15')

New Line

9600 baud

x = 2048, y = 2012, button: RELEASED x = 3890, y = 2015, button: RELEASED x = 4095, y = 2456, button: RELEASED x = 2034, y = 4095, button: RELEASED x = 2034, y = 4095, button: PRESSED x = 245, y = 3905, button: PRESSED x = 0, y = 2467, button: RELEASED x = 212, y = 134, button: RELEASED x = 2048, y = 0, button: RELEASED x = 2056, y: 2018, button: RELEASED

Ln 11, Col 1

ESP32C3 Dev Module on COM15

Converts analog value to MOVE LEFT/RIGHT/UP/DOWN commands

/* * This ESP32 C3 Super Mini code was developed by newbiely.com * * This ESP32 C3 Super Mini code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/esp32-c3/esp32-c3-super-mini-joystick */ #define VRX_PIN A1 // The ESP32 C3 SuperMini pin connected to VRX pin #define VRY_PIN A0 // The ESP32 C3 SuperMini pin connected to VRY pin #define LEFT_THRESHOLD 1000 #define RIGHT_THRESHOLD 3000 #define UP_THRESHOLD 1000 #define DOWN_THRESHOLD 3000 #define COMMAND_NO 0x00 #define COMMAND_LEFT 0x01 #define COMMAND_RIGHT 0x02 #define COMMAND_UP 0x04 #define COMMAND_DOWN 0x08 int valueX = 0 ; // to store the X-axis value int valueY = 0 ; // to store the Y-axis value int command = COMMAND_NO; void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); // Set the ADC attenuation to 11 dB (up to ~3.3V input) analogSetAttenuation(ADC_11db); } void loop() { // read X and Y analog values valueX = analogRead(VRX_PIN); valueY = analogRead(VRY_PIN); // converts the analog value to commands // reset commands command = COMMAND_NO; // check left/right commands if (valueX < LEFT_THRESHOLD) command = command | COMMAND_LEFT; else if (valueX > RIGHT_THRESHOLD) command = command | COMMAND_RIGHT; // check up/down commands if (valueY < UP_THRESHOLD) command = command | COMMAND_UP; else if (valueY > DOWN_THRESHOLD) command = command | COMMAND_DOWN; // NOTE: AT A TIME, THERE MAY BE NO COMMAND, ONE COMMAND OR TWO COMMANDS // print command to serial and process command if (command & COMMAND_LEFT) { Serial.println("COMMAND LEFT"); // TODO: add your task here } if (command & COMMAND_RIGHT) { Serial.println("COMMAND RIGHT"); // TODO: add your task here } if (command & COMMAND_UP) { Serial.println("COMMAND UP"); // TODO: add your task here } if (command & COMMAND_DOWN) { Serial.println("COMMAND DOWN"); // TODO: add your task here } }

Detailed Instructions

Upload the code: Copy the command conversion code into Arduino IDE and click Upload.
Move the joystick: Push the thumb in different directions - left, right, up, down, and diagonal.
Check Serial Monitor: Open Serial Monitor to see directional command outputs.
Test diagonals: Move to corners to see multiple simultaneous commands (e.g., "UP + LEFT").
Pro Tip: Adjust the threshold values in the code to make the joystick more or less sensitive to your movements.

Newbiely | Arduino IDE 2.3.8

──

☐

Newbiely.ino

···

8 Serial.println("Hello World!");

Output

Serial Monitor

Message (Enter to send message to 'ESP32C3 Dev Module' on 'COM15')

New Line

9600 baud

COMMAND: MOVE RIGHT COMMAND: MOVE RIGHT, MOVE DOWN COMMAND: MOVE DOWN COMMAND: MOVE DOWN, MOVE LEFT COMMAND: MOVE LEFT COMMAND: MOVE LEFT, MOVE UP COMMAND: MOVE UP COMMAND: MOVE UP, MOVE RIGHT (No command - centered) COMMAND: MOVE RIGHT

Ln 11, Col 1

ESP32C3 Dev Module on COM15

※ NOTE THAT:

The joystick can output zero, one, or two commands simultaneously. For example, when pushed to upper-left corner, it outputs both "MOVE UP" and "MOVE LEFT" at the same time, perfect for diagonal movement in games and robots.

Converts analog values to angles to control two servo motors

For detailed instructions on controlling servo motors with your ESP32 C3 Super Mini joystick, see the complete tutorial: ESP32 C3 Super Mini - Joystick controls Servo Motor

What you'll learn in the servo tutorial:

Mapping joystick X/Y values to servo angles (0-180 degrees)
Controlling pan-tilt camera mechanisms
Building interactive robotic arm controls
Real-time servo response to joystick movement

※ NOTE THAT:

Important ADC Accuracy Information:

This tutorial uses the analogRead() function to read values from an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) connected to a sensor or component. The ESP32 C3 Super Mini's ADC is suitable for projects that do not require high accuracy. However, for projects needing precise measurements, keep the following in mind:

The ESP32 C3 Super Mini's ADC is not perfectly accurate and might require calibration for correct results. Each ESP32 C3 Super Mini board can vary slightly, so calibration is necessary for each individual board.
Calibration can be challenging, especially for beginners, and might not always yield the exact results you want.

For projects requiring high precision, consider using an external ADC (e.g ADS1115) with the ESP32 C3 Super Mini or using another Arduino, such as the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, which has a more reliable ADC. If you still want to calibrate the ESP32 C3 Super Mini's ADC, refer to the ESP32 ADC Calibration Driver.

Application and Project Ideas

Use your ESP32 C3 Super Mini joystick setup in these exciting projects:

Build a wireless RC car with directional control
Create a pan-tilt camera system for video tracking
Design a game controller for Arduino-based games
Control a robot arm with intuitive joystick movements
Make a drone flight controller interface
Build an electric wheelchair joystick control system
Create an arcade-style gaming console
Design a camera slider with precise positioning control

Video Tutorial

Watch the video below for a visual walkthrough of this project.

Challenge Yourself

Test your ESP32 C3 Super Mini joystick skills with these challenges:

Easy: Add LED indicators that light up based on joystick direction (4 LEDs for up/down/left/right).
Easy: Display joystick X and Y values on an OLED or LCD screen instead of Serial Monitor.
Medium: Create a drawing program that plots joystick movement on an OLED display in real-time.
Medium: Add speed control by mapping joystick distance from center to motor speed values.
Advanced: Build a wireless joystick controller using ESP-NOW to control another ESP32 remotely.
Advanced: Implement gesture recognition that detects specific joystick movement patterns (circles, figure-8s, etc.).

Function References

Learn More

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