In May 2022, controller modder Rudeism—also known as Dylan Beck—turned a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Game & Learn Controller into a wired gamepad and demonstrated it playing Elden Ring. The modified toy kept its lights and original sounds, but a standard retail version cannot control a game: the USB connection and custom input mapping were part of the mod.
What was modified—and what was not
The project used Fisher-Price’s Laugh & Learn Game & Learn Controller, a pretend-play toy with lights, music, and learning phrases. Rudeism added a USB connection and mapped the toy’s controls so a computer could receive game input. The unmodified toy is not a plug-and-play PC or console controller. TechRadar reported on the demonstration on May 2, 2022, and HotHardware described the toy and its wired conversion that same day.
How the toy handled Elden Ring’s controls
The toy lacks a right analog stick, and it has fewer controls than a conventional gamepad. Rudeism repurposed its mode slider—the switch normally used to change the toy’s learning modes—so the left stick could provide either left-stick or right-stick input. Some face-button assignments changed as well; the shoulder controls remained more limited than those on a standard controller. GameSpot’s May 2, 2022 report describes the control scheme.
The workaround made the unusual setup possible, but it did not make the toy equivalent to a regular gamepad. Its controls had to cover the actions needed in the game despite the missing stick and reduced button layout.
#1 Best Overall
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The lights and sounds stayed on
Even while sending game inputs, the modified controller continued to light up and play its original sounds. GameSpot reproduced Rudeism’s announcement describing the build as something that “can do anything a standard controller can do, PLUS it still makes all the annoying sounds it did originally.” That is the creator’s characterization of his mod, not an independent assessment of its control coverage.
Did Rudeism beat Elden Ring with it?
Yes, according to Rudeism. In a post dated December 23, 2022, he said he had beaten Elden Ring using the modified controller, without armor or summons. This is the creator’s own account rather than an independently verified result. Rudeism’s post on r/Eldenring also says he used Arduino for the project.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you buy one that plays Elden Ring?
The physical-product match is the unmodified Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Game & Learn Controller. A retail unit does not include Rudeism’s USB conversion or custom mapping, so buying the toy alone will not let you play Elden Ring. The project is best understood as a novelty controller mod, not a practical replacement for a standard gamepad; current product availability is not established here.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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