Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of The Electromaker Educator, Robin builds a miniature arcade machine powered by the Arduino Nano R4. The project features a 128x64 OLED display, three control buttons, two piezo speakers, and a custom 3D printed enclosure. A right-angle USB-C adapter keeps the compact layout tidy, while a stripboard circuit connects all components with simple pull-up resistors.
The build highlights how to handle graphics, timing, and audio on a 32-bit microcontroller. A custom framebuffer speeds up sprite drawing for smooth gameplay, and the game loop manages enemy movement, firing, and collision logic efficiently. The result is a functional, handheld arcade system that shows how far you can take a Nano-sized project with clear design and smart coding.
Buy an Arduino nano R4 from the Electromaker store:
electromaker.io/shop/product/arduino-nano-r4-with-headers
Project files are here:
electromaker.io/project/view/mini-arcade-with-arduino-nano-r4-duo-invaders
📌 Chapters:
0:00 - Uno R4 recap and Nano size problem
0:47 - Meet the Arduino Nano R4
0:52 - Mini arcade plan
1:17 - Why Nano R4 stands out
2:50 - 5V tolerance benefits
3:50 - RA4M1 specs and memory
4:26 - Analog features and op amp
4:55 - Quick port and USB-C perks
5:23 - Build overview
7:04 - Graphics buffer method
8:33 - Performance notes
11:27 - Code walkthrough
17:39 - Montage
21:14 - Final thoughts and where to buy
▬ Support Us! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
For all the latest products, projects and articles, visit our website at electromaker.io
💡 **Stay Connected with Electromaker!**
youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1
facebook.com/electromaker.io
twitter.com/ElectromakerIO
linkedin.com/company/electromaker
In this episode of The Electromaker Educator, Robin builds a miniature arcade machine powered by the Arduino Nano R4. The project features a 128x64 OLED display, three control buttons, two piezo speakers, and a custom 3D printed enclosure. A right-angle USB-C adapter keeps the compact layout tidy, while a stripboard circuit connects all components with simple pull-up resistors.
The build highlights how to handle graphics, timing, and audio on a 32-bit microcontroller. A custom framebuffer speeds up sprite drawing for smooth gameplay, and the game loop manages enemy movement, firing, and collision logic efficiently. The result is a functional, handheld arcade system that shows how far you can take a Nano-sized project with clear design and smart coding.
Buy an Arduino nano R4 from the Electromaker store:
electromaker.io/shop/product/arduino-nano-r4-with-headers
Project files are here:
electromaker.io/project/view/mini-arcade-with-arduino-nano-r4-duo-invaders
📌 Chapters:
0:00 - Uno R4 recap and Nano size problem
0:47 - Meet the Arduino Nano R4
0:52 - Mini arcade plan
1:17 - Why Nano R4 stands out
2:50 - 5V tolerance benefits
3:50 - RA4M1 specs and memory
4:26 - Analog features and op amp
4:55 - Quick port and USB-C perks
5:23 - Build overview
7:04 - Graphics buffer method
8:33 - Performance notes
11:27 - Code walkthrough
17:39 - Montage
21:14 - Final thoughts and where to buy
▬ Support Us! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
For all the latest products, projects and articles, visit our website at electromaker.io
💡 **Stay Connected with Electromaker!**
youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1
facebook.com/electromaker.io
twitter.com/ElectromakerIO
linkedin.com/company/electromaker
