David & John /ᐠ.ꞈ.ᐟ\ Game & Watch - Raspberry Pi PICO - E Paper - Video Game Handheld Console

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.

If you want to give it a try, you can play one of the games directly from your browser on the project's Itch.io page!

Detailed instructions are available in the PDF below.

The necessary files are available on Itch.io (update problem here!)

Downloads

Tuto David John - English.pdf

Tuto David John - Francais.pdf

Files Available on Itch IO.txt

Materials

The total price of the materials can vary between $20 and $35. It depends on the parts you already have and the number of consoles you want to make. Many parts can only be purchased in lots (for example, the custom PCB could only be bought in lots of 5). However, the more expensive parts (the screen and the PI Pico) can be found individually.

E-Paper Weaxie WeAct Studio 2.9 - Black-White (Link Aliexpress)
Raspberry Pi Pico Standard, without pin
PCB David&John (file Gerber available) (to be ordered from JLCPCB for example)
Button Power 3Pin L-type black (Link Aliexpress)
Schottky Diode 1N5817 (Link Aliexpress)
Batterie shrapnel 2 Pairs (Link Aliexpress)
Push buttons 5 buttons (Link Aliexpress)
Passive buzzer (Link Aliexpress)
Insert Nut 4 nuts M3 (OD4.5mm) Length 5mm (Link Aliexpress)
Carbon Screw 4 Screws ISO7380 M3 6mm (Link Aliexpress)