This is a project I've been working on for over a year and a half now.
It's an open-source modular pocket device based on the ESP32-S3. The entire bottom half can be swapped out with different modules like a gamepad, a Blackberry-style keyboard, and even DIY modules.
I wanted to build a device that would allow me to do things like play games, listen to music, and take notes without getting distracted by my phone. It's more like a PDA than a smartphone though.
It can be customized in many different ways and aligns with right-to-repair, DIY, and hacking.
Some of the stuff it can run are:
- Retro emulation (up to SNES and Genesis)
- Various game ports (Quake, Duke Nukem 3D, etc)
- Celeste (PICO-8 port)
- MP3 player app (it has a stereo headphone jack)
- Custom indie games (made using the C library, supporting various graphics backends)
- Text editor/note taking app that can sync to your computer
There's some cool stuff like an App Store that allows you to download programs via Wi-Fi! Plus the "OS" is inspired by the 3DS!
There are even more things I want to get it running in the future, like an SSH client so it can be used for portable admin stuff. The keyboard module will unlock a ton of possibilities.
It's 90% done, currently focusing on finishing the keyboard module and finalizing the shell. Software is still WIP (will be released at V1.0.0), and schematics will be released after I build first batch of DevKits.
I might look into using pogo pins instead for the connector. That eliminates the pressure, but then requires a separate mechanical force to keep the parts in place.
Besides the header/pins, there are also currently magnets.
I went with C for the SDK because I wanted maximum compatibility/portability.
You can still use C++ (I tested it, works 100% fine), and I'm currently exploring Rust bindings! https://docs.pocketbyte.co/rust
It's an open-source modular pocket device based on the ESP32-S3. The entire bottom half can be swapped out with different modules like a gamepad, a Blackberry-style keyboard, and even DIY modules.
I wanted to build a device that would allow me to do things like play games, listen to music, and take notes without getting distracted by my phone. It's more like a PDA than a smartphone though.
It can be customized in many different ways and aligns with right-to-repair, DIY, and hacking.
Some of the stuff it can run are:
- Retro emulation (up to SNES and Genesis)
- Various game ports (Quake, Duke Nukem 3D, etc)
- Celeste (PICO-8 port)
- MP3 player app (it has a stereo headphone jack)
- Custom indie games (made using the C library, supporting various graphics backends)
- Text editor/note taking app that can sync to your computer
There's some cool stuff like an App Store that allows you to download programs via Wi-Fi! Plus the "OS" is inspired by the 3DS!
There are even more things I want to get it running in the future, like an SSH client so it can be used for portable admin stuff. The keyboard module will unlock a ton of possibilities.
It's 90% done, currently focusing on finishing the keyboard module and finalizing the shell. Software is still WIP (will be released at V1.0.0), and schematics will be released after I build first batch of DevKits.
Let me know what you think!