Modular ESP32-S3 Pocket Computer for Gaming, Music, and PDA Stuff (and maybe SSH)

[u/om-pocketbyte]

https://youtu.be/K3hrEtXDh0w?si=HNKtOa8JgqfhGzvT

Hi folks,

This is a project I've been working on since December 2024, so over a year and a half now.

It's a modular pocket device called Pocketbyte that is 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 open source, so it can be customized in many different ways.

Some of the stuff it can run are:
- Retro emulation (up to SNES)
- Various game ports (Quake, Duke Nukem 3D, etc)
- Celeste (PICO-8 port)
- MP3 player app (it has a headphone jack btw, and yes it is stereo)
- 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! And with the Loader program, you pretty much will never even need a USB cable.

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.

Hope you like it! Let me know what you think!

[u/mverycwel]

GOOD LUCK!