Mini Putt

Game Console

  • Design and program a custom game using a Pico 2 microcontroller, then develop a physical housing that brings the digital experience into a tangible, well-crafted object.

  • The device integrates a Pico 2 board, rotary encoder, buttons, LED indicators, battery, and USB-C charging. The enclosure is built from solid oak with acrylic, aluminum accents, and a textured artificial grass surface to reference the game environment.

  • The design draws inspiration from retro handheld games, using a simple, approachable form while elevating it through refined materials and thoughtful detailing. The combination of wood, metal, and texture gives the object a nostalgic yet elegant presence.

This project marked the first complete software and hardware build undertaken from scratch. Using Python, a custom mini putt simulation game was developed with over 2,000 lines of code, including original bitmaps for courses, loading screens, hole-in-one animations, characters, and gameplay elements. Custom ball paths, color systems, and interactive mechanics were programmed to create a responsive, engaging experience. The physical enclosure was designed to complement the digital work, transforming a small electronic device into a cohesive product that feels intentional, tactile, and finished—bridging coding, electronics, and industrial design into a single interactive object.

This was my first time coding in Python for the Pico 2, and it definitely tested my patience. On top of learning the code, I was also working with encoders, LEDs, and USB charging for the first time in a single project. Getting the game visuals to feel right meant figuring out how to overlap bitmaps so it looked more refined than simple pixels, which took far longer than I expected and led to plenty of frustration. The hardest part, though, was squeezing all of the electronics into the small casing I had designed. Choosing a 4.7V battery made that even more challenging, since I also had to think about weight distribution so the device felt balanced and comfortable to hold.

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