picon

A handheld gaming console developed using MicroPython and the Raspberry Pi Pico, designed as a platform for creating and playing lightweight games and utilities on RP2040-based hardware.

Although the project is developed on the Raspberry Pi Pico, it is designed to run on any RP2040-based development board with compatible hardware. Parts of the original codebase were initially based on the excellent YouMakeTech/PicoRetroGamingSystem, but the project has since been largely rewritten.

The hardware has also undergone a significant redesign. The console repurposes the shell of an inexpensive brick game handheld while replacing nearly all of its original electronics. It features a 2.4-inch SSD1309 OLED display, a TP5100 lithium battery charging module in place of the commonly used TP4056, and a Raspberry Pi Pico as the main controller, replacing the WaveShare RP2040 Zero used during the project's early development.

Apps

Note: The project is currently undergoing a major refactor.

Games

• Snake — Classic Snake gameplay.
• Racing Game — A top-down racing game where you dodge oncoming traffic.
• Battle City (WIP) — A top-down tank game inspired by the NES title Battle City.
• Sliding Puzzle — A classic 4×4 sliding tile puzzle.
• Pixel Blaster — A sideways shoot-'em-up where you blast through an advancing wall of pixels before it crushes you.

Tools

• Flashlight — LED flashlight with three modes: Off, On, and Strobe.
• Keypad Test — Tests all console buttons.
• Neopixel Controller — Toy tool for controlling the onboard NeoPixel LED on the WaveShare RP2040 Zero.
• Notepad (WIP) — A simple text editor.
• Timer — A simple countdown timer.

Neopixel Controller:
The project was migrated from the WaveShare RP2040 Zero to the Raspberry Pi Pico during a hardware redesign. The Neopixel Controller has not been refactored for the new hardware.

Getting Started

1. Install MicroPython on your RP2040 board.
2. Modify core/config.py to match your board's pin configuration and display. Make sure to read the documentation for the SSD1309 library when configuring the display pins.
3. Copy the project files to the board's root directory.
4. Reboot the board.
5. Enjoy!