Nantendo LED matrix console game by loska

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Nintendo NES controller inspired hand held game console with 8x8 LED matrix display!
Update April 2017
New firmware integrates Doodle Jump with the rest of the games, also adds 'Flashy Bird' and sound effects in the main file.
I had a batch PCBs made professionally. They are available for AUD$10 + postage, here: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nantendo-PCB-for-Hand-Held-8x8-Arduino-Game/254313782931
I will also consider putting together a kit of all non-printed parts - send a message if interested.
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This console is based on an Arduino Nano and a 1.2" 8x8 LED matrix display with a HT16K33 driver. Both of these are available cheaply from eBay, Total build cost should be under $20 (assuming you can make your own PCB).
The 'Nantendo' firmware has Pong, Space Invaders, Snake, Breakout and a Car driving game as well as a slightly weird game called 'Tedshow'.
The firmware is adapted from here:http://letsmakerobots.com/node/44115
The main differences are that this design uses a different display driver and uses buttons rather than a potentiometer for left-right control.
Alternatively, there is an adapted version of 'DoodleJump' based on this:https://github.com/brnunes/Arduino-Doodle-Jump
There is another adaptation of all the games with sound and including Doodle Jump here, however it is not quite as stable:https://hackaday.io/project/12310-diy-led-8x8-matrix-game-console-64bit
I am planning to merge the sound effects and other games back in in the future.
Instructions:
Print parts according to the Bill of Materials
Print the label onto adhesive material and cut it out with a scalpel
Make the PCB from the Eagle files
Assemble the PCB
Copy the Arduino libraries from the libraries folder in 'Arduino_Nantendo.zip' into your own Arduino libraries folder (usually, Documents / Arduino / libraries)
Load the firmware using the Arduino host software and a USB mini cable
Assemble the housing
Get playing!
PCB assembly notes:
If your 8x8 display comes with right angle header connectors, remove them by cutting the pins, pulling off the plastic part then carefully desoldering each pin - see photo
Use a 4-way straight header to connect the display to the PCB.
Optinally, use 1 or 2 printed spacers and M2 screws to steady the top of the display. I just screwed into the PCB then cut the screws flush at the back since they are behind the battery holder. Alternatively you could use thin double sided tape between the boards.
Bend the pins on the micro slide switch to 90 degrees before inserting
Bend the pins on the 4xAAA battery holder flat and cut them short to fit within the large PCB pads; align the mounting holes but attach the holder with double sided foam tape. Note you may wish to file the solder pads and M2 screws to make this fit flush.