Retro Revival: Jean's Passion-Fueled Journey into Game Console Design

Super Mario, Space Invaders, The Legend of Zelda—who doesn’t love retro video games? As an electronics engineer, Jean’s passion extends beyond playing classic games to designing his own retro game consoles.

Discover the inspiring journey of CELUS Design Success Engineer Jean Rodriguez. Learn how Jean successfully completed the design in just three simple steps, showcasing his expertise and innovative approach.

Fated to electronics

Jean's journey into electronics began in childhood. "My father, an electronics engineer, surrounded me with components, testing machines, and all kinds of electronic gear. To me, these weren’t just tools—they were my favorite toys! I even remember my mom using them to entice me to eat, captivating me with those fascinating gadgets," he recalls.  

As Jean grew older, his passion for electronics deepened. He avidly devoured electronics magazines, eagerly tackling every project he could find. His excitement for the field only grew, fuelling his desire to explore new challenges and dive deeper into the world of electronics. 

Old vs. Modern Electronic Designs

In the early days of his studies, math and physics were formidable challenges. Back then, electronics designs relied on nothing more than a calculator, paper, and pen. The revolution in electronics in recent decades has since transformed the field. Today, engineers have access to advanced design automation tools that greatly accelerate the design process.  

“My favorite game was Super Mario Bros when I was young, and I have always wanted to design my own game consoles!” Jean said.

How did Jean able to transform an idea into a tangible game console PCB board with remarkable efficiency?

Design a Retro Game Console in 3 steps:

Define:

This project comprises key components: a power supply, USB data port, power management system, battery, microprocessor, communication systems, display, user interface buttons, sound, and external data storage. The device will be designed for durability and usability in various lighting conditions.

To ensure portability and efficient operation of battery power, the project must adhere to specific constraints. The budget is capped at €25 to keep it affordable for hobbyists.

Parts will be sourced from reputable manufacturers like Espressif, Würth Elektronik, Panasonic, Samsung, and Murata. The goal is to create a fully functional retro gaming console that offers a high-quality user experience.

Design:

Jean was inspired by Jobit Joseph, who shared his project of a retro game console using the ESP32 on Circuit Digest. Jean used Jobit’s project as a reference, replacing components with alternative solutions by utilizing the CELUS design platform.

Jean found the CELUS design platform extremely helpful because it enabled engineers to capture technical requirements and find the right components effortlessly. “It allows me to focus on what really matters and expand my creativity!” he says.

The platform allows users to add functional blocks, establish connections between them, and include specifications on the design canvas. By pressing the resolve button, proposed solutions, detailed BOM information, and specifications will be listed, ensuring that each component fits perfectly into the puzzle.

Develop:

Export the file from the CELUS project to KiCad (Jean’s prefered CAD tool) to continue the PCB layout design. With CELUS compatible file, developer don’t even need to add additional footprints or symbols because they are all included. Just a few more updates in the PCB settings, designers can start routing and ordering PCB components.

Jean held a workshop to showcase his game console project. If you're interested in more information, please check out the following video: 

Conclusion:

Jean Rodriguez's journey in designing a retro game console is a testament to the power of passion and innovation in the field of electronics. From a childhood surrounded by electronic components to mastering advanced design tools, Jean has demonstrated how dedication and modern technology can bring nostalgic ideas to life.

By leveraging the CELUS platform, Jean streamlined the design process, allowing him to focus on creativity and efficiency. His successful project not only rekindles the charm of classic games but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers to blend the old with the new in their own creative endeavors.

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