Toy controller for providing input to a computing device

A method of manufacturing an apparatus capable of communicating with a computing device, comprising:

• providing a main body;
• mounting a plurality of input switches to the main body, each of the input switches having a first position and a second position;
• substantially encapsulating an outer covering around the main body, the outer covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface comprising a plurality of openings sized and shaped to receive a portion of each of the plurality of input switches;
• at least substantially enclosing a programmable processing circuit within the main body, the processing circuit including
• a plurality of input ports coupled to the plurality of input switches;
• an output port coupled to a communications port to transmit output signals;
• and
• programmable processing circuitry capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes, wherein
• a first operating mode includes generating a first output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via a first input port coupled to a first input switch of the plurality of input switches and generating a second output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via a second input port coupled to a second input switch of the plurality of input switches;
• and
• a second operating mode includes generating the first output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via the first input port coupled to the first input switch and generating the first output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via the second input port coupled to the second input switch.

An apparatus for providing input to a computing device, comprising:

• a main body;
• a plurality of input switches mounted to the main body, each of the input switches having a first position and a second position;
• an outer covering configured to substantially encapsulate the main body, the outer covering having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface comprising a plurality of openings sized and shaped to receive a portion of each of the plurality of input switches;
• a programmable processing circuit enclosed within the main body, the processing circuit including
• a plurality of input ports coupled to the plurality of input switches;
• an output port coupled to a communications port to transmit output signals;
• and
• programmable processing circuitry that,
• when operating in a first operating mode generates a first output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via a first input port coupled to a first input switch of the plurality of input switches and generating a second output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via a second input port coupled to a second input switch of the plurality of input switches;
• and a
• when operating in a second operating mode generates the first output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via the first input port coupled to the first input switch and generating the first output signal responsive to receiving an input signal via any of the remaining input ports coupled to a remaining portion of the plurality of input switches;
• and
• a wireless communications port configured to transmit the generated output signals to a communicatively coupled computing device.