Summary

  • This ESP32-S3 handheld features a 2-inch color display, dual analog sticks, haptics, IR, USB-C, and full programmability.
  • Acts as a handheld or controller with real-time video on the screen; great for drones, robots, or external consoles.
  • Kickstarter early bird $55 (regular $59); crowdfunding risks always apply.

We've seen plenty of retro consoles built using a Raspberry Pi or an ESP32 chip, but they often require an external controller to play. However, what if you could have a handheld console with the screen built into the controller itself? Or, better yet, if you had an ESP32 device that could act as a handheld or a controller? Well, someone has made just that, and you can help fund it right now.

The Smart Joystick Controller is more than just a gaming accessory

You can control a lot of things with it

Credit: The Open Gadget

As spotted by Hackster.io, this cool ESP32 controller comes with a little screen in the middle where you can see what you're controlling. The controller itself is reminiscent of PlayStation's DualShock accessories, with the advantage that you'll likely be able to fix it if something breaks.

Of course, because it's based on an ESP32, you don't need to use it to game on a little screen. For example, you could wire it up to a console and play your game on a big screen, and perhaps code something up so you get statistics on the controller's screen. Or you can take the device out of the gaming world entirely and use it to drive robotics or drones. A little first-person camera feed from a drone on the little screen sounds really handy, personally.

Here are all the features that come with the controller:

  • ESP32-S3 Dual-Core Processor
  • 2-inch Color LCD Display
  • Dual Analog Joysticks with 5-Axis Control
  • 6 Programmable User Buttons
  • Real-Time Video Display Support
  • USB Type-C for Programming and Power
  • RGB Status LED
  • Built-in Vibration Motor for Haptic Feedback
  • IR Transmitter for Remote Control Applications
  • Battery Connector for Portable Operation
  • Dedicated Power Switch
  • Reset & Boot Buttons for Development
  • Wireless Connectivity via ESP32-S3
  • Fully Programmable and Open for Custom Development
  • Compatible with Arduino, ESP-IDF, and MicroPython
  • Compact Handheld Design

If you'd like to secure one for yourself, there's a Kickstarter campaign aimed at raising funds to sell the controller. Early-bird pledgers can score one for $55, while the going rate is $59. Just remember that pledging to a campaign does not guarantee a product, and there's always the chance you won't get anything at all. Never crowdfund a project with money you're afraid of losing.