The new general detector controller, 2nd generation (NGCII) is in development for the first-generation instruments of the extremely large telescope (ELT) as well as new instruments for the very large telescope (VLT). Building on experience with previous European Southern Observatory (ESO) detector controllers, a modular system based on the MicroTCA.4 industrial standard, is designed to control a variety of infrared and visible light scientific and wavefront sensor detectors. This article presents the early development stages of NGCII hardware and firmware from the decision to start an all-new design to first tests with detectors and readout integrated circuits.