Flipper Zero hardware & wireless hacking tool can now be used as a proper game console thanks to a Raspberry Pi RP2040-powered video game module that mirrors the display of the device on a larger monitor or TV via DVI/HDMI video output, and also adds a 6-axis motion tracking sensor.
The Flipper Zero has been in the news in recent days, notably with Canada’s government banning the device due to car theft (although it only seems feasible on older cars), and today the company has announced the launch of a video game module developed in collaboration with Raspberry Pi Ltd.
Video game module specifications:
- MCU – Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller clocked up to 133 MHz with 264 kB SRAM
- Video Output – DVI-D at 640480 with 60 Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDMI.
- USB – USB Type-C port connected to the microcontroller. Acts as a USB device or host (with the limitation that USB power delivery is not supported).
- Sensor – TDK ICM-42688-P 6-axis MEMS motion-tracking sensor (IMU) with gyroscope & accelerometer connected to RP2040 and Flipper Zero over SPI (only one can be used as the master).
- GPIO breakout – 11x GPIO pins connected to the RP2040 microcontroller, two ground pins, and one 3.3 V power pin.
- Misc – Boot button (activates bootloader mode) and Reset button
The Video game module can be used as a standalone Raspberry Pi RP2040 board running open-source Raspberry Pi Pico projects without connecting to the Flipper Zero. One example is the Scoppy open-source digital oscilloscope which we’ve previously seen being used on the FHDM TECH DSO-500K 2-channel oscilloscope board.
Before being able to use the video module with the Flipper Zero, you’ll need to update the firmware and insert it into the device with the method depending on whether a silicon case is being used or not. The quick start guide has the details. Several apps have been ported to the Flipper Zero + Video Game Module combo including the Air Arkanoid game and an Air Mouse app leveraging the 6-axis sensor in the video game module. You’ll find both in the Flipper Mobile app.
People who would like to develop games for the Flipper Zero may want to have a look at the Flipper Zero Game Engine and the source code for a demo game to get started. The firmware for the Video Game Module itself is open-source source, and you’ll also find some hardware documentation with a pinout diagram and PDF schematics on the documentation website.
The Video Game Module can be purchased for $49 on the company’s online store as well as on Lab401 for 49 Euros ex. VAT.
Via Liliputing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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now why on Earth would you spend 50 bucks on 50 years old games emulator !?
Exactly. Spend $20, and you’ll get a Chinese handheld console, that can run numerous emulators, and therefore run thousands of games, has a colour TFT, a video output, and comes with two wireless controllers. And is hackable.
Just – why?
Because Kickstarter is a helluva drug
Because i would