Build Your Own Retro Game Console in the Shape of a Vintage Portable TV

Relive the nostalgia of classic games and dive into the exciting world of creation with the Retro TV Game Console!

This project will guide you step by step through designing in Fusion 360, 3D printing, and configuring the Bluetooth HC-05 module so you can build your own retro game console. With simple materials and accessible tools, you'll be able to customize your console to your liking and enjoy hours of fun with a touch of retro style and creativity. This console is capable of emulating different classic games; in this case, it's programmed with the Breakout game, an adaptation of the 1976 classic.

Connect your cell phone via Bluetooth and start playing as if it were a controller!

Supplies

Hardware:

8x8 Neopixel Matrix. Amazon

Arduino Uno R3 Board. Amazon

Bluetooth HC-05 Module. Amazon

Passive Buzzer. Amazon

Dupont Cables. Amazon

Contact Adhesive. Amazon

Double Sided Tape. Amazon

Software:

PC with Arduino IDE installed

Mobile device with Bluetooth, preferably with Android operating system

3D Printing:

3D Printer

PLA Filament (color of your choice). Amazon

Step 1: 3D Design With Fusion 360

To design the console, immerse yourself in creativity using Fusion 360, a powerful software that makes creating professional designs accessible. Each piece was designed with the ability to be modified according to your own needs and preferences. Get ready to explore your imagination and customize every detail before bringing your designs into the physical world through 3D printing.

Step 2: 3D Printing

Use a 3D printer to bring your designs to life. Carefully print the body (piece 1) and the cover (piece 2) of the Retro TV Game Console, making sure to use a layer height of 0.2 mm and a 20% infill for optimal results. Don't forget to activate the supports for Piece 1 if necessary. Remove the supports after printing.

Optional: If you want to enhance the aesthetic aspect, you can also print the Antenna Stand

Step 3: Matrix Assembly

Before assembly, make sure the pins of the Neopixel matrix are soldered. If not, you'll need to do so.

Then, use double-sided tape to attach the matrix to the front of the TV (Piece 1) as the screen. Make sure the pins align with the housing hole.

Step 4: Attaching the Arduino Board

Use double-sided tape to attach the Arduino board to the back of the TV (Piece 1), making sure to align the ports with the corresponding holes.

Step 5: Component Connection

Use Dupont cables to connect all devices according to the connection diagram.

Step 6: Module Arrangement

Place and secure the modules inside the housing using double-sided tape to hold them in place.

Step 7: Bluetooth HC-05 Module Configuration

Upload the provided code to your Arduino to establish communication with the HC-05 module via the serial monitor.

Set the HC-05 module to configuration mode by pressing the button during the first 5 seconds of power-up.

Open the serial monitor and configure communication at 9600 baud in "Both NL & CL" mode.

Send the following commands to configure the module:

AT+NAME=RETRO_TV 

(To change the module's name)

AT+PWSD=1234 

(To change the password)

AT+UART=9600,0,0 

(To enable the SPP profile)

AT+ROLE=1 

(Set to master mode)

AT+RESET 

(Reset the module to user mode)

Step 8: Final Assembly

Make sure all components are correctly connected and secured inside the housing.

Place the cover of the Retro TV Game Console (Piece 2) in place. If necessary, glue it with double-sided tape or contact adhesive.

Step 9: Personalization

Assemble the antennas for your TV. First, cut two wires approximately 6 cm long and bend 1 cm of one end. Then insert the wires into the antenna stand's holes (Piece 3). Glue them with instant adhesive and paint them the color you want, then stick them on the TV itself (Part 1).

You can also paint your game console any color you want. In my case, I chose to paint it with an abstract style, simulating its wear and tear. On the cover, I wrote the word "Retro" in a curious way, alluding precisely to the theme of our TV.

Step 10: Program the Retro TV Game Console

To start up this console, upload the attached sketch. It emulates the classic breakout game from 1997. But I invite you to start from the following code and program your own retro game.

Make sure you have the Adafruit_GFX, Adafruit_NeoMatrix and Adafruit_NeoPixel libraries downloaded. If not, download them through the library manager

Step 11: Power Supply

To power our console, you can use different options according to your needs:

Via USB: Connect the USB cable from the Arduino to a 5-volt transformer or a power bank if you want to make it portable.

Via power plug: Connect a transformer between 6v and 12v to the plug or use a 9-volt battery adapter for portability.

Step 12: Download the App to Control the Module

To play Breakout, you'll need to use your cell phone as a controller, so you'll need to download an app capable of sending strings to the Bluetooth module. In my case, one of the apps that gave me the best results for its interface and easy communication is "Arduino blueControl", this app is available in the Play Store, but not in the App Store. If you have an iOS device, you can look for an alternative app.

Step 13: Connect Your Mobile Device to the TV

On your device, open the Bluetooth settings and pair the module, it will appear with the previously programmed name, in my case "Retro_TV"

and enter the password, previously set, in my case "1234" once the device is paired, open the Arduino blueControl app and go to the arrows located in the upper right, in this menu all the Bluetooth devices linked to your mobile will appear, this is where you must select the TV, in my case "Retro_TV". Then exit that menu and enter where it says "Arrow Keys", then go to the configuration menu and in the "Keys configuration" section, start configuring the keys with the corresponding messages.

Up arrow key message: "A"

Right arrow key message: "R"

Left arrow key message: "L"

Once this is done, go back to the "Arrow Keys" menu and start playing.

Use the on-screen video

Step 14: Start Playing

Let's reconnect our game console: in the app, go to the arrows located in the upper right, in this menu all the Bluetooth devices linked to your mobile will appear, this is where you must select yours, in my case "Retro_TV". Then go to where it says "Arrow Keys" and start playing.

We start the game with the top button, the idea is to move the paddle with the right and left buttons, so that the ball does not fall and we can break all the blue pixels. Once we lose, the points are displayed on the screen and we can start playing again.

Congratulations! You have now built your own Retro TV Game Console. I invite you to modify the hardware, software, and share them in the comments. You can also use this means to ask any questions about this project.

Thank you very much for following this instructable. Until next time. 😊