This DIY retro-style mini-TV looks like it’s from the Simpsons, and plays classic NES games and movies — and yes please, I want one
- This ESP32-based project can do a lot on a 2.8-inch screen
- Play retro video games and watch extended video clips
- If you like what you see, there are instructions for building your own
We’re always interested in mods and hacks here at TechRadar, and a new retro-style mini-TV has caught my eye: it can fit in the palm of your hand, it looks like it belongs on The Simpsons, and it can play videos as well as classic video games.
It’s the work of modder DynaMightTech (via XDA Developers), and it’s based on the ‘cheap yellow display’ (CYD) development board — so there’s an ESP32 controller chip powering everything, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in.
These boards have become popular with hobbyists because everything you need to get started is integrated into the board itself, including a small 2.8-inch display that’s put to good use here. The outsides of the TV, meanwhile, have been 3D printed.
“When I was originally dreaming up this project on an afternoon walk, it was initially just going to be a simple case for the CYD, that looked like a retro TV,” explains the modder behind the project. “However I ended up going down multiple rabbit holes that only seemingly led to more rabbit holes!”
Watch it in action
On the software side, the gadget makes use of a custom launcher application that supports classic games from a variety of consoles — including the NES — and a handful of PC games, such as Doom and Duke Nukem 3D.
When you’re done with the gaming, you can sit back and enjoy some video clips. The device is capable of playing movies of 90 minutes or more without issue, and there’s even the ability to download and convert YouTube videos.
The demo video gives you a look at the tiny TV in action, with games like Tetris and shows such as The Simpsons (of course) on the small screen. You also get a working button on the set that lets you flick between channels.
Much as I would like one of these dinky gadgets for myself, the CYD Retro Mini TV isn’t available to buy. Instead, you can build one yourself, using the step-by-step guide that DynaMightTech has posted over at Autodesk Instructables.
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