WiFiBoy32: An ESP32-Based IoT Dev Kit and Portable Game Console

The ESP32-WROOM-32 Wi-Fi module is a popular IoT development microcontroller that has been used to create everything from weather stations to wearable cigarette lighters. Developer Derek Lai took his ESP32 to design a portable game console that doubles as an IoT development kit.

As far as WiFiBoy32 specifics go, the platform features the ESP32 module mentioned earlier (with 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 LE), a pair of 8-pin GPIO, along with SPI, DAC, I2S, ADC, and VP/VN connections. It also sports six large gaming/multi-purpose buttons, select and start buttons, as well as Program/Reset buttons, micro USB, and a 2.4-inch (240 X 320) color SPI TFT LCD display.

Programming the board can be done using the Arduino IDE, MicroPython, or the visual drag-and-drop Python Blocky. In terms of IoT development, you can design anything you would with the ESP32 module, only you get the added benefit of a built-in controller. For example, you could control connected devices for smart homes, or fly sensor-equipped drones to grab data in remote areas.

The WiFiBoy32 has its own fan/creation website (WiFiBoy.club) that’s mostly in Chinese, although they do have a tutorials page in English that can help you with game installations, splash/font/draw tests, sprite libraries, and even a drone controller. They also include how-to guides for designing everything from games to music-based MIDI projects.

Trying to buy directly from the WiFiBoy.org and WiFiBoy.club seems to be an issue, as they only appear to offer the platform in Taiwan, at Maker Faires, or by direct messaging within the forums. I did manage to find a Taiwan online retailer selling the WiFiBoy32 as a kit for approximately $55 USD, although it’s unclear if they will ship overseas. If anyone can help translate the information from the shopee.tw website, it would greatly be appreciated!