how would you make these kinds of recesses? (for game controllers - link to defunct shop in thread)

I’m thinking get a 3D model, split into slices at varying depths, make router template for each depth, then sand with a small sanding drum using a drill or something?

https://novabeamdesign.com/en-us/products/ps5-controller-holder-original

Honestly hand carving with a Dremel or similar would probably be the easiest but I'm very curious about your template idea :)

Otherwise you'd wanna CNC it for proper 3D model fidelity

find an stl of the controller and subtract that from a rectangle block model and then cnc carve it out of the block of wood.