80's Arcade games using a Wii Nunchuck and ESP32

Summary

This video showcases a DIY project where the creator transforms a cheap yellow display with an ESP32 into a portable retro gaming device, incorporating a Wii Nunchuk as the controller. The project involves customizing the device with a speaker, joystick, and various wires, while tackling challenges like wiring and button configurations. Along the way, the creator shares troubleshooting steps, including experimenting with GPIO pins and resolving issues with game launch behaviors. Ultimately, the project results in a functional, compact gaming console that runs classic games like Pac-Man and Galaga, with future plans for improving the design and making it more mobile.

Takeaways

• 😀 The project involves building a portable gaming system using an ESP32, a cheap yellow display, and a variety of electronics.
• 😀 The display used in the project is the ESP32243 S028, which has an SD card reader, mini USB power, and audio out.
• 😀 A Wii Nunchuk was repurposed for use as a controller, with modifications to accommodate the hardware.
• 😀 The speaker used in the project was salvaged from an old headset, allowing for cost-effective sound integration.
• 😀 Wiring and troubleshooting were key aspects of the project, with a process of trial and error to identify the correct pinouts for the buttons and joystick.
• 😀 Issues arose with the wiring, causing some strange behavior like infinite credit additions or system rebooting, but these were addressed through testing.
• 😀 The project used a simple boot button as the 'coin add' function, avoiding the need for a separate button by utilizing an existing feature.
• 😀 A challenge encountered was the need to mount the display upside down, leading to changes in the code to flip the screen vertically.
• 😀 The project aims for portability by incorporating a battery pack, with the goal of avoiding a wall plug for better mobility.
• 😀 After assembling the device, the system functions well, though improvements like screen flipping and better joystick sensitivity are needed for a more stable experience.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'cheap yellow display' used in the project?

The 'cheap yellow display' (ESP 32 243 s028) is used to display the game visuals for this handheld arcade system. It features Wi-Fi, an SD card reader, and other useful functionalities for the project.

Why did the creator flip the display upside down?

The creator flipped the display upside down to address the issue where the cable coming out of the display was getting in the way of the user's finger while interacting with the device.

How does the user start the game on this handheld system?

To start the game, the user pushes a button on the back of the device, which launches the game. They can also add a coin using another button, represented by a small Scrabble tile labeled 'S'.

What issue did the creator face with the button functionality, and how did they attempt to solve it?

The creator struggled to get the C button to work properly, particularly for adding credits. They attempted multiple GPIO configurations but encountered strange behavior like endless credit additions or system reboots.

What was the role of the Wii Nunchuk in the project?

The Wii Nunchuk was repurposed as a controller for the handheld arcade system. The creator adapted it for use by splicing its wiring and interfacing it with the system to control gameplay.

Why did the creator use a multimeter during the wiring process?

The creator mentioned that using a multimeter could have helped with identifying wire functions and preventing errors, but they chose a trial-and-error method instead, which made the process more time-consuming.

What was the main problem with the boot button functionality?

The boot button was set by default to add a coin and start the game, which was inconvenient. The creator worked on rerouting this function to another button to make the gameplay experience smoother.

What did the creator use to hold the components together during assembly?

The creator used a variety of techniques, including hot glue and custom metal pieces from Ikea furniture, to securely attach components like the screen and speaker to the device.

What was the purpose of the small speaker and how was it integrated into the system?

The small speaker, repurposed from an old headset, was used to provide audio feedback during gameplay. The wires were soldered to the system, allowing sound output through the device.

How did the creator manage the power issues related to the handheld device?

The creator initially faced an issue with the power plug position. They planned to rotate the display and install a smaller battery to make the system more mobile, allowing for recharging without needing to plug it into a wall outlet.