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Learn Intent Controller

Set up. Map. Play.

Start with the idea, then follow a setup one step at a time. These guides use the same names you will see in the Android app and do not assume that you know the hardware.

Start here Board guides

Start here

Three parts, one control.

You only need to remember the direction: something you do becomes something you mean, then goes to the place you play.

01

Input

What you do

Press a switch, move a stick, open your mouth.
02

Intent

What you mean

Jump, aim, brake, pause.
03

Output

Where it goes

A console, Bluetooth device or board.

Example: “Mouth open” can express the intent “Brake,” which can press both triggers in the game. You remember the purpose; Intent Controller remembers the button presses.

Training videos

Watch the basics.

The written lessons are ready now. Short captioned videos will be added here as the recordings are completed.

Start hereAbout 2 min

What is an intent?

See why “Jump” is easier to build around than a fixed button name.

Video coming soon
First profileAbout 4 min

Build your first control

Add an input, give it a meaning and test the result safely.

Video coming soon
HardwareAbout 6 min

Connect a board

Learn the difference between using a board as an input and as an output.

Video coming soon

Board guides

First, choose the direction.

ESP32 and Pico W boards can sit on either side of Intent Controller. Decide what job the board is doing before you begin.

Board as an input

Bring a control into the app.

A switch or sensor connects to the board. The board sends that movement to Intent Controller, where you decide what it means.

Switch or sensor→Board→App
Set up a board input
Board as an output

Send your controls onwards.

Intent Controller sends the finished control to the board. The board connects to the device where you want to play.

App→Board→Game device
Choose an output guide

Before you begin

Power the board and connect any switches or sensors. If somebody has already made a working board profile for this setup, have it ready.

  1. 1

    Add the board

    In your profile, choose Add Input, then choose ESP32 or Pico W.

  2. 2

    Choose the easiest route

    Use Use a saved profile when the setup is already on the phone. Choose Import a board profile when someone has shared one with you. Otherwise choose Connect & set up manually.

  3. 3

    Identify each control

    When the app asks, move or press one connected control. Give it a clear name such as “Left switch” or “Breath in.”

  4. 4

    Set a comfortable range

    Follow the calibration prompt using the movement you expect to make. Imported setups still need this quick step because people and sensors vary.

  5. 5

    Give it an intent

    Choose what the control should mean, test it, then repeat for the other connected controls. Save the profile when it feels right.

Good to know: calibration belongs to the person and the physical setup. The intent can stay the same even when the comfortable movement changes.

Check the cable

Use a USB cable that carries data, not one that only charges. Connect the ESP32 to the Android phone through a suitable USB adapter.

  1. 1

    Add the output

    Open your profile’s output settings, choose ESP32, then choose New ESP32.

  2. 2

    Install the firmware

    With the board connected to the phone, tap Flash firmware. Allow Android’s USB request and wait for the success message.

  3. 3

    Choose Wi-Fi or USB

    USB keeps the phone and board connected by cable. For Wi-Fi, connect the phone to the board’s Intent Controller network, tap Scan WiFi networks, choose your network and send its details. The board will restart and join it.

  4. 4

    Choose the controller

    Open Controllers. Select a saved controller, or choose Add Controller and follow the scan. Then tap Apply to ESP32.

  5. 5

    Save and connect

    Choose Save & connect. Connect the ESP32 to the device where you want to play, then start mapping.

Troubleshooting the ESP32
  • If Android cannot see the board, try another data cable or adapter.
  • If Wi-Fi setup stalls, reconnect the phone to the Intent Controller network and try again.
  • After the board restarts, give it a moment to reappear.
  • If the target does not recognise it, check that the intended controller is selected and has been applied.

Find the BOOTSEL button

BOOTSEL is the small white button on the Pico W. Holding it while you connect the board puts it in the mode used to install firmware.

  1. 1

    Add the output

    Open your profile’s output settings, choose Pico W, then choose New Pico W.

  2. 2

    Enter BOOTSEL mode

    Unplug the Pico W. Hold BOOTSEL, connect it to the phone through the USB adapter, then release the button.

  3. 3

    Install the firmware

    Tap Flash Firmware (BOOTSEL), allow Android’s USB request and wait for Firmware flashed successfully.

  4. 4

    Choose USB Serial or Wi-Fi

    For USB Serial, keep the board connected and choose Save & continue. For Wi-Fi, choose Update connection settings, then Set up WiFi credentials. Reconnect the phone to your usual network and choose Find Pico W on WiFi.

  5. 5

    Apply a controller

    Open Controllers, choose or add the controller the Pico W should act as, then tap Apply to Pico W and Confirm.

Troubleshooting the Pico W
  • If the app finds the Pico W but says it is not in BOOTSEL mode, unplug it and repeat step 2.
  • If it is not found at all, check the data cable and phone adapter.
  • For Wi-Fi, make sure the phone returns to the same network as the Pico W before choosing Find Pico W on WiFi.
  • After changing Wi-Fi details, wait for the board to restart before searching.

Need a hand?

Tell us where you got stuck.

Include the board, phone model, connection type and the last message you saw. That is usually enough to start.

Ask for setup help