Yes, getting used to the feel of a real RC controller is a very good idea. There are a bunch of different ones out there, and the one you choose will be based on what drone you end up flying. So if you buy a DJI drone, you’ll need to use a DJI controller.

The Monoprice Maker Select Mini should be just large enough to print a Raspberry Pi case shaped like an NES. That runs about $199 - I have the larger Maker Select (a rebranded Wanhao i3) and it’s the best 3D printer you can buy without spending over $1,000. I’ve heard that the Mini is of comparable quality. The bigger…