A complete mini arcade system that runs on both hardware and desktop: play a collection of classic-inspired games on a 64×64 RGB LED matrix (HUB75 + MicroPython) or on your computer with a PyGame-based emulator.

• Dual Runtime Support
  • MicroPython + HUB75 LED Matrix: Runs on RP2040-based boards (Interstate 75)
  • Desktop (CPython) + PyGame: Full emulator for development and testing
• 16+ Built-in Games: Simon, Snake, Pong, Breakout, Tetris, Asteroids, Qix, Maze, Flappy, PacMan, R-Type, Cave Flyer, Pitfall, Lunar Lander, UFO Defense, Doom-Lite, and more
• 64×64 Display Layout
  • 58-pixel playfield (rows 0-57)
  • 6-pixel HUD at bottom (score + clock)
• High Score System: Persistent scores with 3-letter initials entry
• Memory-Optimized: Buffered framebuffer, packed grid storage, lazy font loading
• Controller Support
  • MicroPython: Wii Nunchuk-style I2C controller (with auto-detection for variants)
  • Desktop: Keyboard emulation (arrow keys + Z/X)

• Hardware Requirements
• Software Requirements
• Installation
  • Desktop Setup
  • MicroPython Setup
• Game List
• Controls
• Usage
• Architecture
• Troubleshooting

• Interstate 75 (W) by Pimoroni (PIM584) - RP2040-based HUB75 driver board
  • Pimoroni | DigiKey | Adafruit | BerryBase
• 64×64 Pixel RGB LED Matrix with HUB75 connector
  • Example on Amazon
• Controller (one of):
  • Wii Nunchuk + Breakout Adapter
  • Compatible I2C joystick module
• Power Supply: 5V adequate for LED matrix (typically 2-4A)
• Optional:
  • 3D-Printed Enclosure or Tilted Version
  • Diffuser Mesh
  • Satin Plexiglass Diffuser

• MicroPython Firmware (Pimoroni build recommended)
• Optional: Thonny IDE for uploading files
• Optional: mpy-cross for compiling to bytecode (reduces boot RAM usage)

• Python 3.7+
• PyGame 2.x

1. Install dependencies:

   pip install pygame

2. Run the game:

   python main.py

A 640×640 window will appear showing the emulated LED matrix (10× scale).

The project now uses a tiny bootstrap approach to avoid on-device compilation memory errors:

1. Install mpy-cross (optional but highly recommended):

   brew install micropython  # macOS
   # or: pip install mpy-cross

2. Connect your Interstate 75 via USB

3. Upload with the interactive script:

   ./upload.sh

   The script will:

   • Auto-detect connected devices
   • Compile arcade_app.py → arcade_app.mpy (if mpy-cross available)
   • Upload both main.py (tiny bootstrap) and the compiled module

4. Reboot the device - games start automatically

If you prefer manual upload via Thonny or ampy:

1. Flash MicroPython firmware to Interstate 75
2. Upload main.py (tiny bootstrap file)
3. Upload arcade_app.py or arcade_app.mpy (the main application)
4. Optional: Upload highscores.json if you want to preserve scores

The arcade includes 16+ games accessible via the main menu:

Each game tracks high scores with optional initials entry.

Menu Navigation:

• Up/Down: Navigate menu
• Z (or Space/Enter): Select/Confirm
• C (or X/Escape): Back/Cancel

In-Game:

• Directional movement: Arrow keys / Joystick
• Primary action (jump/shoot/rotate): Z button / Space / Enter
• Secondary/Back: C button / X / Escape

• I2C Address: 0x52 (standard Nunchuk)
• Pins: SCL=21, SDA=20 (configurable in code)
• Buttons:
  • C button: Back/Cancel
  • Z button: Confirm/Action
• Analog stick: 8-directional movement (includes diagonals)

The code auto-detects controller variants including the "new signature" controllers (A0 20 10 00 FF FF).