DIY Gamebuino With a Neat PCB

There are a number of game consoles based on the Arduino platform out there.

One of them is the Gamebuino. It's main advantage is the possibility to load programs from a micro SD card. This allows to play different games without having to re-flash the device each time.

Most DIY Gamebuinos don't have support for the SD card in order to simplify the building process. Also, the Makerbuino DIY kits are expensive and discontinued.

This version was designed to be closer to the size of the original while being cheap and easy to build.

First, you will need to order the necessary components and get the custom PCB fabricated (unless you decide to build the project on a breadboard or protoboard).

Here is the list of parts you will need:

1. 1x Arduino nano R3 (make sure the pins are not pre-soldered)
2. 1x micro SD card module (get one similar to this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/404982482915)
3. 1x 2gb micro SD card (it's very important to get a 2gb model as other capacities won't work with this project)
4. 1x custom PCB (I got mine from JLCPCB)
5. 7x tactile switch, top actuated
6. 1x hookup wire 18 AWG (you can use whatever size you have laying around as long as it fits the holes in the PCB)
7. 1x Nokia 5110 LCD display (get one similar to this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/226051483654)
8. 1x Arduino UNO (used to burn the bootloader, you can also use another Arduino nano or an Arduino MEGA)
9. Some breadboard jumper wires (at least 6pcs)

You will also need some tools:

1. a soldering iron
2. solder
3. a de-soldering pump and/or de-soldering wick

Note: download the Gerber files for PCB production on this project's GitLab or Hackster because Instructables doesn't support .zip files.

Note: you might find this step easier to do this once you have soldered pins on the Arduino nano, just don't forget to burn the bootloader before you solder the Arduino nano on the PCB

If you haven't already installed the Arduino IDE, you should do it now (tutorial).

First, you need to edit the "board.txt" file.

( This file should be located in the Arduino IDE installation folder, use the picture above as reference)

Paste the following code at the end:

gamebuino.name=Gamebuino Nano

gamebuino.upload.tool=avrdude

gamebuino.upload.protocol=arduino

gamebuino.bootloader.tool=avrdude

gamebuino.bootloader.unlock_bits=0x3F

gamebuino.bootloader.lock_bits=0x0F

gamebuino.upload.maximum_size=30720

gamebuino.upload.maximum_data_size=2048

gamebuino.upload.speed=57600

gamebuino.bootloader.low_fuses=0xFF

gamebuino.bootloader.high_fuses=0xDA

gamebuino.bootloader.extended_fuses=0x05

gamebuino.bootloader.file=gamebuino_boot/gamebuino_boot.hex

gamebuino.build.mcu=atmega328p

gamebuino.build.f_cpu=16000000L

gamebuino.build.board=AVR_NANO

gamebuino.build.core=arduino

gamebuino.build.variant=eightanaloginputs

Then, you will have to put the bootloader (it's the file called "gamebuino_boot.hex") in the a folder called "gamebuino_boot".

Again, use the picture above as reference.

(the path will probably end up being a bit different for you but this should give you an idea of where you can put the bootloader, same goes for the path to the "board.txt" file)

Now, restart the Arduino IDE and upload the bootloader to the Arduino nano as explained in this guide.

(Make sure you select the "Gamebuino Nano" board as your target board.)

Please ignore the black bodge wire on the underside of the PCB. It was required to fix a small routing mistake that has been fixed in the current PCB version.

Use the pictures as reference !

1. Start with the switches, then solder some jumpers (use your hookup wire) according to the picture
2. solder the Arduino nano (due to size constraints, it needs to be soldered upside down from the underside)
3. desolder the pins from the micro SD card module and solder in new ones on the opposite side (this module also needs to be soldered from the underside)
4. solder the display

Note: the board also has provision for an optional 4.5v (3 x AAA) battery pack and a small slide switch. (Make sure you respect the polarity)

Now, you have to grab your 2gb micro SD card and format it to FAT16.

As I discovered the hard way, this is crucial if you want your device to work.

When you downloaded the zip file containing the bootloader, you should also find two files called "LOADER.hex" and "SETTINGS.hex".

Put these on your newly formatted micro SD card along with some games.

Have fun with your new Gamebuino !

This project's article on my website is here.

It's Gitlab lives here.

Feel free to remix or improve this project.

My website is here, feel free to have a look.