Raspberry Pi Pico 2 developer demonstrates running Doom on RP2350-powered Def Con 32 badge
Graham Sanderson, one of the designers behind the new Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller, has successfully demonstrated that the ultimate test of any microcontroller or single-board computer (SBC)—running Doom—can be passed by the latest Raspberry Pi Pico. During Def Con 32, a prominent hacking conference known for its “Badge Life” program that encourages participants to modify and enhance their conference badges, Sanderson took the opportunity to bring Doom to life on the badge equipped with the RP2350.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s recent release of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, featuring the RP2350 microcontroller, was integrated into the Def Con 32 badges, which are designed to look like handheld gaming devices with small displays. This provided an ideal platform for Sanderson, who previously ported Doom to the RP2040, to showcase the capabilities of the RP2350 by getting the classic first-person shooter running smoothly on the badge.
Sanderson’s implementation of Doom on the Def Con 32 badge is impressive, offering smooth gameplay at 50 frames per second with sound and save game support. The badge’s flash memory is used to store saved games, which persist even after the device is powered off, adding to the badge’s functionality. However, he advises that installing Doom will overwrite the badge’s flash storage, so it’s recommended to back up any existing data before proceeding.
While the game runs well, there are a few limitations. For instance, the “Quit Game” option in the main menu doesn’t function as expected, since it’s designed to exit to DOS, which isn’t supported on the badge. Additionally, strafing and entering cheat codes aren’t possible due to the badge’s limited controls and display constraints.
For those with a Def Con 32 badge, Sanderson has made the necessary files and instructions available on his GitHub repository, allowing others to install and enjoy Doom on their badges. He has also updated the original rp2040-doom repository to support the RP2350 microcontroller, enabling Raspberry Pi Pico 2 users to run Doom on their devices even if they don’t have a Def Con 32 badge.
This project not only demonstrates the power of the new RP2350 microcontroller but also highlights the creative and collaborative spirit of the Def Con community, where hacking badges has become an art form in itself.
Read more: Raspberry Pi Pico 2 developer demonstrates running Doom on RP2350-powered Def Con 32 badge
