Tramworks to Debut Motor-Driven Tram Controller at TGS 2026
The controller's motor-driven design lets one physical unit emulate different notch counts and brake systems, a flexibility that mechanical sim controllers cannot offer.
Key Facts
- Tramworks will exhibit the Tram Controller (tentative name) at Tokyo Game Show 2026 from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe, Hall 9, Indie Game Corner booth 09-E14.
- The Tram Controller's motors generate notch detents and brake lever resistance in software, letting one unit emulate multiple vehicle types without swapping parts.
- In TRAMCITY HAKODATE, the Hakodate City Tram 8000 series uses a 7-notch master controller with direct air brakes, and the 3000 series uses a 4-notch master controller with electric command brakes.
- Tramworks plans a crowdfunding campaign this winter to fund manufacturing, with the Tram Controller delivered to backers as a reward.
- The Tram Controller prototype measures about 650 by 200 mm and connects over USB Type-C, recognized as a GamePad HID.
Reporting from 2 sources: GAME Watch (Impress), Denfaminicogamer.
Tramworks will show its Tram Controller (tentative name), a controller built for railway driving simulation games, at Tokyo Game Show 2026. The company plans to exhibit the prototype from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Hall 9's Indie Game Corner, booth 09-E14, where visitors can drive TRAMCITY HAKODATE, the Hakodate tram game Tramworks develops and sells. The controller puts motors inside the master controller and brake handle axes. Those motors generate the notch detents and brake lever resistance, so the notch count and brake feel are defined in software rather than by mechanical parts. One unit can switch between vehicle types without swapping components. In the game, the Hakodate City Tram 8000 series uses a 7-notch master controller with direct air brakes, while the 3000 series uses a 4-notch master controller with electric command brakes. For the 8000 series, the brake cylinder air pressure in the game feeds back to the handle as force feedback. The controller uses the same door switches as real vehicles and an analog needle meter unit, which will be an option at sale. Tramworks plans a crowdfunding campaign this winter to fund manufacturing, with the controller delivered as a reward. Price and specifications are to be announced.
The Tram Controller has been in development with support from the FFF Tokyo production support program. A prototype appeared at the program's DEMO DAY presentation in March 2026, and the unit has since been shown at NT Hakodate mini2026 and the HAM cross-industry meetup in Hakodate.
For the 3000 series, the same motor that produces the 8000 series' brake boundary feel instead generates a click-per-notch sensation for the electric command brake. Because the feel comes from software rather than cams or springs, the controller has fewer parts that wear out with repeated use and needs no adjustment over time.
The prototype measures about 650 by 200 mm with all units arranged, and uses metal, resin, and wood depending on the part. It connects over USB Type-C and is recognized as a GamePad HID, with CDC (UART) communication planned so it can work as a general controller. Housing and internal mechanism design is by TSE, handle exterior design by Gracemodel, and prototype support by FFF Tokyo by @Kamata. TRAMCITY HAKODATE is licensed merchandise of the Hakodate City Transportation Bureau. Price, specifications, and the crowdfunding platform are to be announced, with early information going out through the company's email newsletter.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- GAME Watch (Impress) トラムワークス、鉄道運転ゲーム用コントローラ「トラムコントローラ」（仮称）をTGS2026に初出展
- Denfaminicogamer 車両によって手応えが変わる「鉄道運転ゲーム用コントローラ」がTGS2026に登場。ゲーム内のブレーキ圧力もハンドルにフィードバック