Retrocomputing enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that a new ZX Spectrum replica is on the market: the ESP32 Rainbow. The single board computer swaps the Zilog Z80 for an ESP32-S3 microcontroller chip running an emulator, bringing the classic 80s computer back to life with a modern twist. It features a built-in color display, a microSD card slot for storage, a built-in touch keyboard in the ZX Spectrum style, and a USB Type-C port for power and data. The keyboard was recreated using full-color UV printing and is the most true-to-life component of the ESP32-S3-based ZX Spectrum single board computer. The touch keys won’t likely offer the best typing experience but that is reminiscent of the original ZX Spectrum. A lovely cherry on top is that the onboard USB-C port supports HID and the device can be used as a keyboard on another computer. The ZX Spectrum is one of [...]
The Jetway MF30 is a 3.5-inch subcompact board powered by 13th-generation Intel Core Raptor Lake-P U-series processors, including the Intel Core i5-1335U and Core i5-1335UE. Designed for embedded applications such as digital signage, control systems, gaming setups, and transportation hubs, the board supports versatile high-definition multi-screen configurations with two HDMI ports, two DisplayPorts, one Type-C DP, and one LVDS/eDP interface. For connectivity, the MF30 offers dual 2.5GbE ports, three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and a USB Type-C port, while storage options include SATA III port and M.2 (2242/2280) sockets. Jetway is well known for its SBCs, and we’ve previously covered products like the JMTX-ADN8, JNUC-ADN1 mini-ITX motherboard, and JF35-ADN1 3.5-inch motherboard all powered by the Intel N97 CPU. Additionally, we’ve explored other SBCs and Mini PCs featuring 13th-gen Raptor Lake SoCs, including the iBASE IB961, GEEKOM GT13 Pro, Cincoze DV-1100, and LattePanda Sigma. If you’re interested [...]
It’s not surprising that the Arduino community is packed to the brim with examples of gaming-related projects. Both activities tend to attract people with a love for problem-solving, technology, and getting immersed in one challenging activity for hours at a time.
The result is that there are tons of fascinating Arduino projects that revolve around video games. If you enjoy sitting back in your favorite gaming chair and plunging into a world of virtual recreation, you’ll love what we’re sharing here — and maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your next project.
Let’s dive into a few of the best examples of Arduino-driven gaming creations.
Arduino project ideas for gamers
A tiny gaming mouse
The right mouse can make a world of difference in the world of PC gaming — there’s a reason high-end gaming mouses (mice?) can sell for eye-watering amounts of money.
If you want the most finely-tuned, customized mouse possible, though, you’ll have to make it yourself. That’s exactly what Science Shack did with this project — an ultra-light gaming mouse made using Arduino.
Driven by an urge to learn just how tiny a mouse could get, Science Shack embarked on his mission. The result? A mouse that is only 18 cubic centimeters in volume and less than 10 grams in weight.
Check out the full video where Science Shack walks through the process, materials, and the end result.
Handheld toggle switches game
When it comes to gaming, more complex isn’t always better. In fact, the old retro-style, ultra-simple games like Space Invaders are still popular decades on.
In keeping with this philosophy, Redditor ToggleBoss decided to create a handheld gaming device operated by nothing more than a small set of toggles. The device features a simple yet satisfying game on a small LED screen.
ToggleBoss’s project was built with just a handful of components — Arduino code running on a NodeMCU, together with a pull-up resistor for switches and an SSD1306 OLED display..
An LED gaming platform for people with special needs
One of the great things about gaming is that it’s an activity that almost anyone can enjoy.
This is now even more true thanks to Alain Mauer, who constructed this LED gaming platform specifically for people with special needs.
Mauer was inspired to create the project to help his son, Scott, who is non-verbal autistic. Later, he realized it could be enjoyed by many more people, including those with movement restrictions.
The game is a simple, LED-based puzzle operated by easy-to-press buttons on the device. There is no time pressure, and the device is extremely robust and durable.
Best of all, the project is designed to be as easy to replicate as possible. It uses affordable and easily obtained components with the code developed using the Arduino IDE 2.
Arcade stacker game
Arcades may be associated with a bygone era, but that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate the same excitement and fun in our own homes.
Reddit user enlightened-creature built this arcade-esque stacker game with a 3D-printed case to capture the arcade vibe from anywhere. It’s built using a simple LED screen and some code and is easy to emulate — as proven here by another Arduino fan.
Exercise bike
In our busy, hustle-filled world, riding a stationary bike at home is one of the most convenient ways to get some exercise — saving the time and effort of hitting a gym or sports club.
But there’s one big problem… it’s boring. Programs like Peloton have evolved to help alleviate the tedium, but they’re expensive and not for everyone.
To solve the problem, Arduino user issaom decided to connect their exercise bike to the PC, transforming it as a controller for various driving simulator games. The pedals are, unsurprisingly, used to move forward, and a steering wheel is attached to the handlebars to change direction.
The project employs several components including an Arduino Nano and an Arduino Micro.
Take your gaming projects to the next level
With Arduino, it’s entirely possible to build projects just like these at home, with nothing more than a few easy-to-find components and some basic code.
The Arduino Project Hub is filled with similar examples, in any category you can think of and for all levels of experience. You can filter by project type and difficulty level, and even search for specific projects — plus there’s a specific section for interactive games. Check it out for inspiration and guidance.
Infineon Technologies XENSIV game controller is a reference design that integrates XENSIV magnetic position sensors for precise joystick control without sensor drift and XENSIV Hall switch triggers for reliable operation. The controller also features capacitive CAPSENSE buttons, CAPSENSE presence detection, and a SPIDER+ rumble driver. These components work together with the PSoC 6 BLE microcontroller to create a low-power, plug-and-play solution. The onboard display allows users to monitor joystick movements, connection status, configurations, and battery information. The controller connects to PCs or smartphones as a USB human interface device (HID) without requiring manual configuration or driver installation. It also supports Bluetooth Low Energy and uses capacitive presence detection to optimize battery life. The design includes a PSoC 6 debugger and supports customizable shields providing flexibility for software and hardware integration. Previously, we covered an Arduino Nano Matter-powered game controller that successfully ported Quake, a popular first-person shooter game. We’ve also [...]
Following up on his successful Doom port last year, engineer Nicola Wrachien – who works at Silicon Labs, a leader in secure, intelligent wireless technology for a more connected world and long-time Arduino partner – has now tackled an even bigger challenge: porting Quake, the iconic 1990s’ first-person shooter, to an Arduino gamepad.
What a great warm-up for the upcoming Matter Challenge! If this kind of project sounds like fun, follow the competition or submit your own entry by October 31st.
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics, Silicon Labs and Arduino, the Matter Challenge is open to all skill levels. Take the opportunity to inspire others, by creating an incredible project with the Arduino Nano Matter board.
Released just three years after Doom, Quake was a huge leap forward in gaming technology. It introduced full 3D environments complete with dynamic lighting effects, and its enemies and weapons were 3D models rather than 2D sprites. The game also featured a scripting engine that gave modders a lot of creative freedom. But with more realistic graphics, a particle engine, and more complex sound effects, Quake was also a far bigger technical challenge to port.
In the face of demanding requirements, Wrachien turned to the Arduino Nano Matter, developed with the powerful Silicon Labs® MGM240S as part of a partnership to better enable seamless development of Matter over Thread applications on the Arduino platform, which also led to the release of Arduino’s first-ever Matter software library earlier this year.
Reflecting on the Arduino Nano Matter board, Wrachien said: “The Nano Matter board, featuring the Silabs xG24, offers impressive processing power and versatility in a compact size, making it a fantastic tool for both simple and complex projects like this one.”
If you’re intrigued and want to explore more technical details, dive into Wrachien’s full post and get into the nitty-gritty of this remarkable project on his blog. You can get your Arduino Nano Matter from our store and replicate his idea thanks to all the information he shares, or imagine a new challenging project of your own!
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