ESP32-Powered Pac-Man Fiesta Medal Combines Gaming and Collectibles

A creative maker has combined retro gaming nostalgia with cultural tradition in a unique ESP32 project that's capturing attention across tech communities. User aedile has built a fully functional Pac-Man game that fits in the palm of your hand while serving as the Official 2026 Fiesta San Antonio medal - a wearable collectible that celebrates both gaming history and San Antonio's vibrant festival culture.

The project centers around an ESP32-C6 microcontroller paired with a compact 1.69" ST7789 LCD screen. What makes this build particularly impressive is its authentic arcade experience despite the miniature form factor. The creator has implemented full Z80 processor emulation to run the original Pac-Man ROM, achieving smooth 60 FPS gameplay through SPI DMA transfers. The system even includes the classic sound effects that defined the arcade experience.

Control is handled through an innovative tilt mechanism - simply rotate the enclosure to guide Pac-Man through the maze. This approach eliminates the need for traditional buttons while maintaining intuitive gameplay. The creator notes some initial challenges with left-handed play while recording, but assures that the actual gaming experience is "wicked fun" once properly held.

Beyond its technical merits, this project serves a dual cultural purpose. Fiesta San Antonio is an annual celebration in Texas's second-largest city, featuring parades, food, music, and a tradition of collectible medals. These medals have become cherished keepsakes that commemorate each year's festivities. By transforming a gaming device into an official medal, aedile has bridged the gap between digital entertainment and physical cultural artifacts.

The build's portability is enhanced by its battery-powered design, eliminating the need for wires and making it truly wearable. This mobility, combined with the authentic gameplay experience, creates a unique conversation piece that's both functional and collectible.

For those interested in recreating this project, the creator has shared comprehensive instructions on GitHub. However, there's an important caveat: due to copyright considerations, the Pac-Man ROM isn't included in the distribution. Builders will need to source their own ROM file, which requires owning the original arcade game or finding a legally available version.

The project represents an excellent example of how modern microcontroller platforms like the ESP32 enable sophisticated retro gaming experiences in incredibly compact packages. It also demonstrates the creative potential when technical skills meet cultural traditions, resulting in something that's both a functional game and a meaningful keepsake.

This isn't the creator's first foray into tiny ESP32 projects either. They've previously built a 1.14-inch desktop monitor using similar technology, showcasing a consistent interest in pushing the boundaries of what's possible with small-form-factor displays and microcontrollers.

For retro gaming enthusiasts, electronics hobbyists, or anyone interested in unique wearable technology, this Pac-Man Fiesta medal offers inspiration for projects that combine technical achievement with cultural significance. It proves that even decades-old games can find new life in unexpected forms, creating bridges between different communities and interests.

The project has generated significant interest on Reddit and beyond, with many users expressing admiration for both the technical execution and the creative concept. It serves as a reminder that the maker community continues to find innovative ways to reimagine classic experiences, proving that great ideas can come in small packages - especially when they're small enough to wear on your chest during a festival celebration.