David & John /ᐠ.ꞈ.ᐟ\ Game & Watch - Raspberry Pi PICO - E Paper SSD1680 - Video Game Handheld Console
Control
Space to climb - Arrows to move right or left
--------------------------------------------------------
Discover David & John, a console entirely based on a Raspberry Pi PICO and an e-Paper screen !
--------------------------------------------------------
What are the games?
The console features 5 games inspired by Nintendo's Game & Watch. Each game represents a small moment in the life of John, who deals with the mischief caused by his mischievous cat, David. Dodge David's pranks, save him, or catch him in the 5 games available on the console! Each game offers different gameplay based on various principles (running, dodging, or catching). Every game is designed to be easy to understand but challenging to master! The score for each game is saved, allowing you to beat your previous high score with every new game!
What does the console look like?
Measuring approximately 12.5 x 7.5 x 3 cm, its compact size makes it easy to carry anywhere. With its 5 buttons, the console can be used horizontally or vertically depending on the game's requirements (3 vertical games and 2 horizontal games are included). Its e-Paper display, similar to those found in commercial e-readers, offers excellent visibility in sunlight and provides a look more akin to Game & Watch screens than a standard LCD. Additionally, thanks to this display, the console has good battery life (at least 24 hours). Even when turned off, the image remains on the screen, allowing you to display the console in style! A buzzer is also included to reproduce sounds similar to those of the Game & Watch. Don't worry, the sound can be disabled in the menu!
How does it work?
The console runs on a Raspberry Pi Pico and is entirely programmed in Python (MicroPython). All the code is accessible and can be modified. You can even create other games based on the existing code if you're inclined to do so! Note: Currently, no documentation is available to explain how to create a game for the console.
How can you get this console?
There are several options available to you :
Are you handy? Build the console yourself!
All the necessary files are available for a DIY build from scratch. The console requires only a few parts, all of which can be easily found on AliExpress or similar sites. The only custom parts are the PCB and the case. For the PCB, the necessary files for its creation are provided, and it can be ordered at a reasonable price from specialized websites (personally, I use jlc3dp). As for the console case, you can 3D print it in a reasonable amount of time (around 7.5 hours) (I personally use an Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro). The soldering required is reasonable and not too difficult. While it might be challenging for a complete beginner (the screen requires some small soldering), anyone with basic soldering experience should manage without issue! The total cost of the console should be between $25 and $35, depending on whether you already have some of the necessary parts (some parts are only sold in bulk, but the price remains reasonable).
Go see my others games on my itch.io page !
Byro-Test your Gyro skills ! : https://retrovalou.itch.io/byrotestyourgyroskills
Chalice of Highland : https://retrovalou.itch.io/pioupiouproject
Detailed instructions for creating this console are available in the PDF below along with the necessary files.
Download
Click download now to get access to the following files:
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
Nice game. I'd like to share it on my game page, if you don't mind. Personally i'd add the console with animated buttons to it. Nevertheless, fun to play. Are the other games going to be playable online too?
Of course, you can! =) I've already come across your page, and what you're doing is really, really cool! For now, the other games aren't playable online. Basically, the core code is entirely in Python and very specific to the screen and hardware used. I had to recode the game in Unity to make it playable online (so people could test it out a bit!). For now, I've only done the first game out of the five contained in the console. If I get around to doing the other games, I'll let you know so we can add them =) I'll see if I have time and if I manage to do something polished for the buttons.
Thank you. Looking forward to playing the other games. Keep up the good work.