Tiny Space Invaders Game is a do-it-yourself handheld-style console by maker John Bradnam, not a retail game listing. Built around a Microchip ATtiny1614 and a 16-by-2 character LCD, it brings Space Invaders and Space Impact together behind a simple game-selection menu.
What the project includes
Bradnam describes adding LCD Invaders to an earlier Space Impact console after finding spare flash memory in its microcontroller. As he puts it, “Keeping with the space theme, I have added LCD Invaders by arduinocelentano along with a simple menu system to select the game.” The project page documents the hardware and software for this two-game console.
The design centers on an ATtiny1614 microcontroller and an LCD 1602 character display. Its component list also includes a tactile switch, passive components, an LM1117-33 regulator, a DC power jack and a potentiometer. Arduino IDE is listed for the software work. The project is described as intermediate-level and includes schematics, code, board-design files and 3D-printable enclosure files.
See John Bradnam’s project page and build files on Hackster.io.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
![waveshare 1.3inch LCD Game Console, Compatible with Raspberry Pi, 240X240 Resolution, Integrated ST7789 Driver Chip, SPI Communication, Board Only [Video Game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZVlNSRphL._SL160_.jpg)
- 240 × 240 Resolution, Integrated ST7789 Driver Chip, SPI Communication
- 1.3inch IPS screen with ST7789 driver chip, using SPI interface communication
- 65K color display screen, 240 × 240 resolution for clear display effect
- Onboard 12 × customizable buttons for convenient and smooth operations
- Integrated with ST7789 driver chip, using SPI interface communication
Power and LCD compatibility
The build account describes two power configurations. The battery version uses a 3.7 V battery and a 1 MHz clock; the external-power version uses a 5–12 V supply and an 8 MHz clock. These are the author’s instructions for this design, not a guarantee that every component combination will work unchanged.
Display voltage is an important part choice. Bradnam outlines adapting many 5 V LCD boards for 3.3 V operation with an ICL7660, capacitors and jumper changes. Before assembling the circuit, check the specifications for the exact LCD module and supporting parts you have; do not assume every LCD 1602 board has the same voltage requirements or pin configuration.
Rank #2
- 【High-Resolution 1.3inch LCD Screen】GamePi13 game console onboard 1.3inch LCD 240x240 resolution, 65K color display screen, integrated ST7789 Driver Chip.It has bright display screen and smooth operation performance
- 【12 Customizable Game Buttons】12 customizable buttons effectively respond for Raspberry PI /RP2040-PiZero controls. Suitable for learning, development and testing Raspberry Pi projects, offering a variety of options for DIY makers
- 【Onboard Audio Output】Output high-quality audio, and the background music that surrounds your ears makes you feel like you're there
- 【SPI Interface for Fast Communication】SPI interface communication is adopted, and the signal transmission is more stable and faster
- 【Versatile Applications】Portable game consoles, Raspberry Pi project extensions, smart IoT devices, science fiction and artwork
How the two games are adapted for the LCD
Space Invaders
The project adds sound effects and an EEPROM-based high-score system to the Space Invaders game. Because character-LCD updates are slower than OLED updates, Bradnam says he changed bullet timing to keep bullets visible for longer. These are descriptions of the implementation, not independently measured performance results.
Space Impact
For Space Impact, the author says he moved control checks to a periodic interrupt so player input remains responsive while the display is updating. This version also has additional sounds and an EEPROM high score.
Rank #3
- Kids Friendly Design: This P30S handheld game console is specially designed for kids. It has a stylish arcade - like appearance. The body fits a child's hand, and the game settings also cater to kids psychology, thus being very attractive.
- Excellent Gaming Experience: Equipped with a 3.0 - inch high - definition screen and excellent speaker sound, it provides an excellent visual and auditory experience for video games. This handheld game console is small and lightweight, convenient for kids to use and carry. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing children to fully enjoy the games.
- Rich Collection of Classic Games: This retro handheld game console contains 220 interesting kids video games, including various types such as entertainment, sports, and adventure games, just like those found in many retro game consoles. While playing these games, kids can cultivate skills such as hand - eye coordination, thinking, and problem - solving.
- Convenient Rechargeable and Long - lasting Battery: The video game console is equipped with an 860mAh lithium - ion battery. It ensures that kids can play games without interruption, because there is no need for frequent battery replacement, which is very suitable for playing portable games outdoors. It is a great addition to the world of handheld games for children and can bring more fun to them.
- Absolutely Surprising Gift: Our handheld game toy is a surprising gift for kids, teenagers, and even adults. It is the best gift for birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our customer support team will serve you wholeheartedly.
What you need to build it
Alongside the electronic components, the build documentation references a UPDI programmer, soldering iron and 3D printer. The project page lists the sketches and code, schematics, PCB/Eagle files and STL enclosure files. Its displayed license label is GPL3+; check the project files and any included third-party components for the terms that apply to your intended use.
- Confirm the LCD module’s voltage and connection details against the circuit before buying or wiring parts.
- Choose the battery or external-power configuration and use the clock setting specified for that configuration in the project documentation.
- Make sure you can program the ATtiny1614 and fabricate the board and enclosure, or adapt the design to the tools available to you.
Which “tiny Space Invaders” is this?
This article concerns Bradnam’s LCD 1602 console with Space Invaders and Space Impact. The name can also refer to unrelated projects, including an assembly-written game in the QEMU Advent Calendar 2023 and a separate Arduboy collection game by Daniel Champagne. Those are not versions of Bradnam’s build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 135 Pre-loaded Classic Games : Discover a huge collection of 135 fun-filled games! This library is packed with 135 32-bit arcade-style classics, including puzzle, casual, and shoot 'em up genres. These games are not only entertaining, but they also develop key skills such as hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking and problem solving.
- 3.0-inch High-Definition IPS Screen: Featuring a crystal-clear 3.0-inch IPS screen, immerses your child in vivid, lifelike visuals. Every detail comes to life, enhancing the gaming experience. Hand held video game provides effective eye protection for children while they enjoy their games.
- USB-C Charging & Long-Lasting Battery: Features a convenient modern USB-C port and battery that provides 6 hours of fun on a single charge. Handheld retro game console perfect for trips and adventures, eliminating the need for frequent charges or spare batteries.
- Child-Friendly Design & Classic Arcade Feel: This retro handheld console is made for smaller hands! Its sleek 32-bit arcade-style look, easy-to-hold, The games and challenges are specially tailored for kids, making it easy for young gamers to dive into the fun and stay challenged.
- The Ideal Surprise Gift for Kids: Beautifully packaged in a gift box, this retro handheld game console is a big gift hit for birthdays, Christmas, or any holiday! Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
Rank #4
- 【📺 4.5-INCH IPS HD CRYSTAL-CLEAR DISPLAY】 Step into a new dimension of visual aesthetics with the upgraded 4.5-inch IPS OCA fully fit screen Boasting a high resolution of 1024*768, this retro handheld game console delivers ultra-wide viewing angles, vibrant colors, and sunlight clarity Whether you are indoors or outdoors, it perfectly restores every pixel of your favorite classic games, bringing your childhood nostalgia to life without eye strain
- 【🎮 ZERO-FATIGUE ERGONOMIC GRIP & HALL JOYSTICKS】 Play longer and play better! The R36MAX 2 features a meticulously designed "Zero-Fatigue Curve" detachable horizontal grip that perfectly cradles your palm, eliminating hand stiffness during intense gaming sessions Equipped with drift-free Hall sensor 3D joysticks and a dynamic 9-color RGB LED layout, this emulator handheld ensures incredibly smooth and precise control for hardcore gamers
- 【🚀 UPGRADED RK3326 CHIP & LINUX SYSTEM】 Reject lag and stuttering Powered by the advanced RK3326 64-bit quad-core Cortex-A35 processor (up to 1.5GHz) and Mali-G31MP2 GPU, this portable gaming handheld effortlessly handles complex 2D and 3D games The independent open-source Linux system provides smart resource allocation, fast loading times, and a highly stable UI, making game browsing and saving completely seamless
- 【👾 MASSIVE LIBRARY OF 20,000+ CLASSIC GAMES】 Dive into an endless pocket-sized arcade! Pre-installed with a high-capacity TF card (supports up to 256GB expansion), this preloaded game console supports over 30+ emulator formats From action and racing to RPG and puzzle games, simply power on and play right away It is the ultimate retro video game console to share the joy with friends through WiFi online multiplayer battles
- 【🔋 4000mAh HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY FOR ON-THE-GO】 Take your retro gaming adventures anywhere. The built-in 4000mAh rechargeable Li-polymer battery delivers up to 6 hours of non-stop playing time on a single charge With fast 2-hour Type-C charging and a compact pocket-ready design, this handheld game console is the perfect birthday gift for adults, teens, and retro game lovers who want to relive the classics during travel or daily commutes
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
