- Play retro games like Tetris, Snake, and Space Invaders directly on ESP32.
- Compact design using ESP32 and ILI9341 TFT display.
- Low-power consumption and portable build.
- Built-in joystick and push buttons for control.
- Easy to program and extend with additional games.
| Component | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32 Dev Board | 1 | Main microcontroller for game logic and graphics |
| ILI9341 TFT Display | 1 | 240x320 pixel display for game output |
| Joystick Module | 1 | Used for player navigation and control |
| Push Buttons | 2–4 | Action buttons for gameplay |
| Breadboard & Wires | As req. | For circuit connections |
| Power Supply (5V) | 1 | USB or external power source |
- The ESP32 runs the retro game logic programmed in Arduino C++.
- Game graphics are rendered on the TFT ILI9341 display using SPI communication.
- The joystick module provides analog values that are read via ESP32 ADC pins for directional control.
- Push buttons serve as action keys (jump, fire, rotate, etc.).
- The ESP32 processes player inputs and updates the display in real-time, creating a smooth gameplay experience.
| ESP32 Pin | Component | Pin Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3V3 | TFT VCC, Joystick VCC | Power supply |
| GND | TFT GND, Joystick GND | Ground |
| GPIO 23 | TFT MOSI (SDA) | SPI Data |
| GPIO 18 | TFT SCK | SPI Clock |
| GPIO 5 | TFT CS | Chip Select |
| GPIO 2 | TFT DC | Data/Command |
| GPIO 4 | TFT RST | Reset |
| GPIO 34 | Joystick VRx | X-axis input |
| GPIO 35 | Joystick VRy | Y-axis input |
| GPIO 32 | Joystick SW | Select button |
| GPIO 25 | Push Button 1 | Action input |
| GPIO 26 | Push Button 2 | Action input |
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Display not powering on | Wrong wiring or no 3.3V | Check TFT power and ground pins |
| Screen flickering | Loose SPI connections | Ensure wires are firmly connected |
| Joystick not responding | Incorrect ADC mapping | Verify pin assignments in code |
| Buttons unresponsive | Floating inputs | Use pull-down resistors if required |
| Game lagging | Low SPI speed | Increase SPI clock in code |
- DIY handheld gaming console.
- Educational tool for learning embedded graphics programming.
- Base project for retro game emulation.
- Interactive learning kits for students.
- Add support for more retro games.
- Integrate sound effects using DAC output.
- Design a 3D-printed enclosure for portability.
- Add wireless multiplayer using ESP-NOW or Wi-Fi.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | ESP32 (dual-core 240 MHz, Wi-Fi + BT) |
| Display | ILI9341, 2.8" TFT, 240x320 resolution |
| Input | Joystick (2-axis + switch), Push buttons |
| Power Supply | 5V USB or external battery |
| Programming | Arduino IDE with TFT & Game libraries |
- 📖 ESP32 Retro Game Console
- 💻 Arduino IDE Download
- 📑 ESP32 Datasheet
- 📑 ILI9341 Display Datasheet
- 📂 ESP32 Projects
This project is published on CircuitDigest — your go-to resource for electronics projects, tutorials, and DIY ideas.
ESP32 Retro Game Console ILI9341 TFT Joystick Arduino IDE Embedded Gaming