MINTIA Micropython Console

This instructables show how to use a XIAO dev board turn a MINTIA box to a game console.

1. MINTIA Box
2. Seeed Studio XIAO RP2350
3. 1.54" 240x240 ST7789 IPS Display Module
4. 252540 Lipo battery
5. Six 3x6x2.5mm tactile button
6. Two 12x12mm tactile button
7. One 3.5x9mm slide toggle power switch
8. 12x12mm copper heatsink (optional)

Mintia is a highly popular Japanese brand of sugar-free breath mints manufactured by the Asahi Group. Famous for their intense cooling and pocket-friendly design, they are a staple on-the-go refreshment in Japan and across Asia.

This is my third instructables using MINTIA. This box has always been on my desk, so I've been wanting to upcycling it.

Previous instructables links:

https://www.instructables.com/Game-MINTIA/

https://www.instructables.com/Arduino-MINTIA-Game-Console-in-a-Candy-Box/

In previous 2 projects, I patch the back cover to become a console panel. This time, I removed the back cover and then 3D print the console panel. This helps to arrange the components more neatly.

Please download and 3D print the panel at Thingiverse:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7372703

Please follow official guideline to install Micropython on XIAO RP2350:

https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/getting-started-xiao-rp2350/

This 12x12mm heatsink was originally designed for the Raspberry Pi Model 3B+, but it is also a great accessory for the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 gaming console.

Since the display module will hide the select and start buttons, it is better soldering all buttons GND first. And then breakout the select and start button pins. While soldering, remember tidy up the wires and reserve room at bottom left for the Lipo battery.

Here are the connection summary:

1. Split the box into 2 parts
2. Use cutting plier cut off the protruding part
3. Assembly with the console back cover

Note:

As same as the MINTIA box, this is a no screw design. Simply push and clicky to fix the cover.

MicroPython is an easy-to-program language, perfect for beginners. With the help of AI, you can easily bring your ideas to life. E.g., a Tetris example, as show at the above video.

I had used below prompt to generate my Tetris example code:

If you run code with error, report to AI for regenerate code, e.g.:

You can find the sample code at GitHub:

https://github.com/moononournation/ProjectMINTIA/tree/main/MicroPython/Tetris

Note:

Please remember to modify the pin definitions in the code accordingly based on your soldering situation.

Now you can learn programming using your own dedicated, decent dev device.

1. The design of cross buttons is not sensitive enough, should be redesign soon
2. The charging circuit only works if power switch turned on and USB plugged
3. Current design is 8mm thick but MINTIA only around 6.6mm, the target is trim 1.4mm
4. Add sound output

The back cover reserved 2 holes to access XIAO dev board RUN and RESET buttons. You may need something like SIM ejector pin to access the buttons while you want reprogram the dev board.