NeoArcade32
ESP32-C6 Powered Mini Arcade Console
A fully-featured handheld arcade system built with ESP32-C6, featuring multiple games, vibrant TFT graphics, sound, and modular input controls.
Overview
NeoArcade32 is a compact yet powerful arcade console designed for embedded systems enthusiasts. Built on the ESP32-C6 platform, it combines real-time graphics rendering, multi-game architecture, responsive controls, and customizable UI into a single firmware.
This project demonstrates:
- Embedded game development
- Real-time input handling
- SPI TFT graphics optimization
- Modular system design
Key Features
Multi-Game System
Includes multiple playable games:
- 🟥 Dodge (Reflex-based survival)
- 🟩 Snake (Classic grid gameplay)
- 🟦 Breakout (Brick destruction physics)
- 🐦 Flappy Bird (Physics-based tap game)
- 🏃 Runner (Endless obstacle jumping)
- 🚗 Car Racer (NEW) (Lane-based racing game)
- 🏓 Pong Duel (2 Player)
- ⚡ Reflex Duel (Reaction speed battle)
- 🧩 Arena Duel (Coin collection PvP)
Smart Input System
- Dual joystick support
- 4-button control system (fully mapped)
- Deadzone calibration
- Debounced input handling
Advanced UI System
- Smooth menu navigation
- Neon color themes
- Dynamic headers & cards
- Status HUD (score, state)
- Animated boot/loading screen
Hardware Effects
- RGB LED feedback (game states)
- Buzzer sound system (tone-based)
- Backlight control
Settings Menu
- Sound ON/OFF
- Theme switching
- Difficulty levels
- Deadzone adjustment
- Joystick calibration
- RGB LED test
System Architecture
Core Loop
├── Input System
├── Page Manager (State Machine)
│ ├── Menu Pages
│ ├── Game Pages
│ └── Settings
├── Rendering Layer (TFT)
└── Sound + RGB Feedback
The entire system is built around a state-driven architecture, ensuring:
- clean transitions
- modular game logic
- easy expansion
Software Design Highlights
State Machine
Each screen is a state:
HOME → GAME → GAMEOVER → MENU
Modular Game Engine
Each game:
initGame()updateGame()drawGame()
Frame Control
- Millisecond-based timing (
millis()) - No blocking loops
- Smooth gameplay
Hardware Requirements
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| ESP32-C6 | Main MCU |
| ILI9341 TFT | 240x320 SPI Display |
| Joystick (1-2) | Analog control |
| Push Buttons (x4) | Input |
| RGB LED | Feedback |
| Buzzer | Sound |
Components Used
| Component | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32-C6 | Main Microcontroller (MCU) | ESP32-C6 DevKitC-1 |
| ILI9341 TFT | 2.8" 240x320 SPI Touch Display | 2.8" 240x320 ILI9341 TFT |
| Joystick (x2) | Analog Joystick Module | XY Joystick Module |
| Push Buttons (x4) | 12x12mm Push Buttons | Push Button Set (12x12mm) |
| RGB LED | 5mm Diffused RGB LED (Common Anode) | 5mm RGB LED |
| Buzzer | 5V Passive Buzzer | 5V Passive Buzzer |
Pin Configuration
TFT:
CS -> GPIO17
RST -> GPIO18
DC -> GPIO19
BL -> GPIO20
SCK -> GPIO21
MOSI -> GPIO22
Joystick 1:
VRX -> GPIO0
VRY -> GPIO1
SW -> GPIO2
Joystick 2:
VRX -> GPIO3
VRY -> GPIO4
SW -> GPIO5
Buttons:
BTN1 -> GPIO6
BTN2 -> GPIO7
BTN3 -> GPIO9
BTN4 -> GPIO10
Buzzer:
GPIO11
RGB LED:
R -> GPIO14
G -> GPIO15
B -> GPIO16
Controls
| Input | Function |
|---|---|
| BTN1 | Select / Jump / Action |
| BTN2 | Back / Exit |
| BTN3 | Left / Up |
| BTN4 | Right / Down |
| Joystick | Movement |
Featured Game: Car Racer
A lane-based arcade racing game:
- 3-lane movement system
- Increasing difficulty
- Collision detection
- Turbo boost (BTN1)
- Dynamic enemy spawn
Display System
- Resolution: 320x240
- Interface: SPI
- Driver: ILI9341
Rendering Techniques:
- Partial redraws for performance
- Layered drawing (HUD + game)
- Color-coded UI states
Audio System
- PWM-based tone generation
- Game feedback sounds
- Event-driven audio triggers
RGB Feedback System
RGB LED indicates system state:
| State | Color |
|---|---|
| Menu | Green |
| Game | Blue |
| Danger | Red |
| Boot | Gradient |
Installation
1. Install Arduino IDE
Download from: https://www.arduino.cc/
2. Install ESP32 Board
- Open Board Manager
- Install: ESP32 by Espressif
3. Install Libraries
- Adafruit GFX
- Adafruit ILI9341
4. Upload Code
- Select ESP32-C6 board
- Upload
.ino
Known Issues
- Joystick calibration varies per hardware
- Some ESP32 core versions require LEDC adjustments
- TFT speed depends on SPI config
Performance Notes
- Optimized for real-time rendering
- Minimal memory footprint
- Stable FPS across games
Future Roadmap
-
Advanced sound engine
-
High score saving
-
WiFi multiplayer
-
Tetris / Space Invaders
-
Game plugin system
📸 Showcase
Author
Hamza Deniz YILMAZ - Creart Soft
Contributing
Contributions are welcome!
- Fork the repo
- Create a branch
- Submit a pull request
Support
If you like this project:
- Star the repository
- Fork it
- Share ideas
License
AGPL-3.0 license
Final Note
NeoArcade32 is not just a game project, it's a complete embedded system showcase combining hardware + software + UX.