Serpentime, a hybrid between a digital clock and a retro Snake game console

A new project from Instructables user SerpenTime (Arnov Sharma) is generating buzz in the maker community, brilliantly merging retro design with modern embedded technology. Dubbed SerpenTime, the compact creation is a fully functional hybrid device that doubles as a Wi-Fi-synced digital clock and a retro-inspired Snake game console.

SerpenTime is housed in a sleek, 3D-printed enclosure meticulously styled to resemble a classic 1980s television set, complete with a dummy antenna and an angled base. This vintage aesthetic hides a dual-mode functionality, allowing the user to switch between a timekeeper and a gaming machine with a single button press.

In its Clock Mode, the device connects to Wi-Fi to fetch real-time data via NTP (Network Time Protocol), displaying the current time, date, and weekday in a crisp white-on-black panel format.

The real magic happens when it switches to Game Mode. The device instantly transforms into a console running the classic mobile game Snake. In a surprising twist for a small desk gadget, the game is controlled seamlessly using an Xbox controller paired via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The creator implemented gradient snake segments, pulsing food, and score tracking, offering a remarkably immersive experience for a micro-console.

The entire build is powered by an ESP32-C6 Devkit, a highly capable micro-controller known for its robust Wi-Fi and BLE capabilities. Visuals are handled by an ILI9341 240x320 TFT display, which serves as the tiny "screen" of the retro TV.

The project is built on a custom PCB, repurposing a power circuit based on the IP5306 power management IC, which efficiently regulates power from a 3.7V 600mAh LiPo cell. This battery setup provides the SerpenTime with an impressive 6–7 hours of backup life, adding to its portability and desk appeal. The core code is a successful combination of the creator's previous projects, integrating BLE gamepad logic with existing clock and snake game code.

With its clever design and functional integration of popular components, the SerpenTime project offers a fresh take on DIY desk gadgets, proving that a little bit of nostalgia, paired with smart engineering, can truly stand out.

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