Custom virtual pinball machine packs Raspberry Pi Pico’s RP2040 and a full PC
Wim Dewijngaert’s mini virtual pinball machine is a testament to the versatility of the Raspberry Pi and other microcontrollers in creating customized gaming experiences. Designed to be smaller and more portable while retaining all the features of a full-size virtual pinball machine, this project showcases Dewijngaert’s ingenuity and passion for gaming.
The pinball machine is powered by an AsRock Fatal1ty AB350 Gaming-ITX motherboard with an AMD Ryzen 5 4600G CPU, boasting onboard AMD Radeon graphics for immersive gameplay. With support for multiple displays, including a 24-inch Samsung T350 monitor for the main gameplay screen, players can enjoy an authentic pinball experience.
Adding to the excitement are WS2812B LED strips controlled by a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller, providing dynamic lighting effects synchronized with the pinball’s activity. The buttons, operated using an Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect module, offer seamless USB input integration for enhanced gameplay interaction.
Running on Windows 10, the virtual pinball game launches automatically on start-up thanks to Instant Sheller, allowing for a streamlined gaming experience without the need for manual intervention. Overall, Dewijngaert’s mini virtual pinball machine exemplifies the creativity and innovation possible with Raspberry Pi and other hardware components in gaming rig customization.
Read more: Custom virtual pinball machine packs Raspberry Pi Pico’s RP2040 and a full PC
