Retro Game Console Project

Authors: Henry Earnest, Michael Rostom, Nathan Kim
Course: CS1600 (Embedded Systems), Fall 2024

(Above: "Dodge" game mode running at high FPS on Arduino Uno R4)

Project Overview

This project is a hybrid embedded system featuring a handheld game console that communicates with a desktop Python backend. We bypassed high-level Arduino libraries to manipulate CPU registers directly, achieving sub-millisecond input latency and fluid 75Hz rendering on constrained hardware.

For a detailed technical breakdown, please read the Project Report.

Key Engineering Features

• Graphics Optimization: Implemented a "Dirty Rectangle" rendering algorithm to redraw only changed pixels, reducing SPI bus load by ~85% compared to full-frame clearing.
• System Reliability: Utilized Watchdog Timers (WDT) and hardware interrupts (ISRs) to prevent freeze states and ensure fault recovery.
• Full-Stack Integration: Built a custom UART serial protocol to sync live game state with a Python script (UART-Laptop.py), persisting high scores to a local JSON database.
• Architecture: Designed a scalable Finite State Machine (FSM) to manage memory and logic transitions between game modes.

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System Architecture

The system follows a modular architecture separating the Physics Engine, Display Drivers, and Input Interrupts.

Key Files

• GameConsole.cpp: Main entry point and rendering logic.
• watchdog_utils.cpp: Direct register manipulation for WDT and Interrupts.
• UART-Laptop.py: Python backend for serial communication and data persistence.

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Hardware & Setup

Materials Needed:

• 1 Arduino Uno R4 Wifi (Renesas RA4M1)
• 1 ILI9341 TFT LCD display
• 2 Buttons (Home/Reset)
• 1 Joystick

Wiring Configuration:

Component	Pin Function	Arduino Pin
Screen	DC	8
	RST	9
	CS	10
	MOSI	11
	SCK	13
Inputs	Home Button	3
	Reset Button	2
	Joystick X	A0
	Joystick Y	A1

Build Instructions

1. Flash the Firmware

• Open GameConsole.cpp in Arduino IDE.
• Install the Arduino_GFX library (version 1.5.0).
• Upload to the board.

2. Start the Backend

• Close the Arduino Serial Monitor (to free the USB port).
• Update UART-Laptop.py (Line 52) with your device port (e.g., COM6 or /dev/tty...).
• Run the script: python UART-Laptop.py

3. Operation

• Wait for the terminal output: "Listening for Arduino..."
• High scores will automatically sync to scores.json in the local directory.

Project Slide (By Henry)