ESP32s are so hot right now. More people than ever are discovering just how versatile these tiny boards can be, and their rock-bottom price point makes them perfect for use in fun DIY projects.

1-bit microarcade handheld

Microarcade is a tiny handheld with rotary control input and 1-bit graphics that is powered entirely by an ESP32-S3. When I first saw this project, I immediately thought of the retro-inspired Playdate handheld (in a good way). The project has been entirely written from scratch, with a handful of retro games that befit the dial-based input.

This includes a Pong clone, Lander, an Etch-a-Sketch mode, and even multiplayer experiences. The wiring is relatively simple, and the author has included files to 3D print the enclosure, along with a parts list with links to recommended sources. The OLED display is the cherry on top, making perfect use of the platform’s binary graphics engine that only displays black (off) and white.

An ESP32-optimized NES emulator

Anemoia-ESP32 is a rewrite of an emulator of the same name with particular attention paid to optimizing the software for the ESP32. This particular project requires any ESP32 with a minimum of 1MB flash memory, a 240×320 TFT display, an audio amplifier and speaker, and eight buttons or a supported controller.

You can also use an embedded device, like a Cheap Yellow Display, or get a custom-made PCB printed using the included schematics. The real star of the show here is the performance, with games like Super Mario Bros. and Castlevania benchmarked at 60 frames per second.

https://www.reddit.com/r/esp32/comments/1nxjvwo/i_built_a_handheld_nes_from_scratch_as_my_first/

A capable all-round retro handheld

Credit: Retro-Go

While the previous two projects were designed to be simple and performant by focusing on one specific experience, with Retro-Go, you can play a wide variety of games in a handheld form factor using the ESP32 as the brain of the operation. Embedded devices like the ODROID-GO and MRGC-G32 clone are officially supported, but the ESP32-S3 development kit is also on the list, which opens the door to DIY efforts if you’re feeling brave.

One Instructables user even went as far as using the not-officially-supported ESP32-P4, a more powerful and expensive microcontroller, with a GB300 shell and a 2.8-inch display to create something very special.

Virtual pet Tamagotchi clone

Perhaps the most endearing project on this list, this ESP32-powered virtual pet uses a C6 or C3 ESP32 variant, a 128×64 OLED display, and eight push-buttons for control. You have a variety of stats to balance, including health, energy, and serenity. Your pet will exhibit various behaviors like sleeping, zoomies, sulking, and affection, with personality traits affecting how they act.

You can earn coins by completing mini-games like Snake and Breakout, which you can then spend at the store on meals, snacks, and toys for your pet. There are multiple locations for your pet to roam, different weather to encounter, and a neat feature that knows if your pet is in a familiar location based on whether your home Wi-Fi network is connected.

There’s no enclosure with this one, but you could probably 3D-print something if you’re keen.

Desk pet

Credit: Pradeep / Hackster.io

The difference between a virtual pet that you have to take care of and a desk pet that sits on your monitor is the level of interaction required. This simple project puts an ESP32-S3, 0.9-inch OLED display, and a 3D-printed enclosure to use in order to create an expressive but low-maintenance desktop friend.

You’ll need to sign up to access this guide, but all of the 3D printing files and instructions are included for free (with the enclosure also shared on MakerWorld). The project is built on the Arduino IDE and the FluxGarage RoboEyes library, and responds to touch input.

Ouija LLM business card

Dubbed the Bouija, this business card-sized project uses an ESP32-S3 and a custom-printed circuit board to provide two modes of operation: a simple mode with hard-coded messages, and an LLM-mode which uses a tiny on-board LLM to interact using on-board capacitive touch buttons.

The ouija board design is undeniably cool and serves a practical use, though the whole project feels like more of a proof of concept than a serious business card idea. I’m not sure how many of these you’d want to hand out, given the cost associated with each, but as an exercise in running a whole LLM on a tiny ESP32, you can do far worse.

Interactive LED matrix (with Pong!)

This 3D-printed interactive LED matrix looks like a digital fidget toy for all the right reasons. By using three rotary encoders, you can manipulate a 32×32 LED matrix (powered by four separate displays) to display all manner of effects and even play Pong.

You’ll find firmware and 3D printing files on the project GitHub. The author was even thoughtful enough to include two USB-C power sockets so that it can be powered lying flat or standing up.

Looking for even more projects? Check out last week’s unique ESP32 projects you’ve never heard of.