Game Controller Paper Squishy Template

Purple game controller with colorful buttons, a directional pad and a smiling face as a paper squishy template

The game controller is made for little gamers who also like to craft with their hands. It's fun to squeeze and needs no power and no screen.

✂️ What’s in the Template

The PDF shows a controller with a directional pad, four colorful buttons and a face in the middle, about 5 inches (13 cm) wide. The back has the shoulder buttons and the end of a cable. You get it in color, as a coloring page and as a mini controller, sized for US Letter.

At a Glance

Group
School & Everyday
Size
about 4–5.5 in
Pages
3 × A4
Craft time
20–30 minutes
🧺 What You Need
  • Printer and regular printer paper (US Letter or A4)
  • Scissors
  • Wide clear packing tape (or laminating sheets)
  • Stuffing: cotton balls, yarn or paper scraps
  • Crayons or markers for the coloring version

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Print at 100% (turn off “fit to page”). Color the B/W version first.
2
Cut out the front and back along the outer line – the white border is the tape edge.
3
Cover both pieces with wide clear tape, overlapping the strips slightly, and smooth them out.
4
Place the front and back together exactly (colored sides out).
5
Tape all around the edge, leaving about 1 inch open where it says “leave open here”.
6
Stuff with cotton, yarn or paper scraps – not too full – and tape the opening shut. Done!

💡 Tips

  • The directional pad is cross-shaped, so cut the corners slowly.
  • A few cotton balls in the grips make them nicely round.
  • The buttons stay bright if you don't press the tape too hard.
  • The shape is wide, so avoid overstuffing.

🎨 Color Ideas

Neon Gamer
Purple, teal and pink with glowing buttons.
Retro Look
Gray, red and blue remind you of an old controller.
Your Own Design
Color the buttons in your favorite colors and give the controller a nickname.

🔄 Variations

Screen-Free Break
When screen time is over, the controller stays around for squeezing.
Swap Match
Two kids each make a controller and trade after coloring.
Gamer Set
Pair it with the phone for a tiny gaming set made of paper.

Safety: Stuffing and tape are not for children under 3. Never use real food or scented oils as stuffing.

You Might Also Like

More squishies from “School & Everyday”:

Why families love PureSketchy:

  • Completely free: Every squishy template with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Color and B/W: Each template comes ready in color and as a coloring version – plus minis.
  • Kid-tested: Printed, cut out, taped shut and stuffed with yarn – it works.
  • Regular printer paper: No cardstock, no special paper, no laminator needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the controller really work?
No, it doesn't control anything. It's a soft paper squishy for squeezing and play.

Which colors are the coolest?
Many kids pick neon shades, but a rainbow controller is fun too.

Can I throw it?
Gently, yes. It's light paper. Aiming at the squishy target game is especially fun.

Is the download free?
Yes, all templates on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal, preschool and classroom use – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version here: Controller-Squishy.