A side project by Ryan Grams
I wanted to build a game device small enough for my kids to sneak into summer camp. We definitely got caught. The project kept growing anyway.
I’m building Bitty: tiny games and apps for small hardware. Buttons, a little screen, and plenty of room for questionable ideas.
Public installer in progress. Check the current status.
01 / The little hardware
I started with the original M5StickC Plus. More devices are planned as I port and test them. There’s no release schedule, and a similar name doesn’t mean the same firmware will work.
K016-P · ESP32-PICO-D4
This is the little orange device I’ve tested. It has a 135 × 240 screen, buttons and an onboard motion sensor. M5Stack now lists it as end of life, so check the exact model before hunting one down.
Manufacturer detailsSeparate hardware · no onboard IMU
A candidate for button-based games. The SE removes the onboard motion sensor, so tilt controls need a different plan. It needs its own Bitty build and testing.
Manufacturer detailsSeparate hardware · ESP32-S3
Another candidate for a future device port. It needs its own firmware and testing. There’s no Bitty release for it yet.
Manufacturer detailsOriginal StickC, Plus2, Core and other M5Stack devices also need separate verification. Buy a device for Bitty only when its own tested build is available.
The controller I’ve tested
The controller I’ve tested pairs in H mode with its yellow indicator. Pairing, reconnecting, directions, rotation and running jumps have been checked on the original Plus. Other modes and controllers still need testing.
BLE HID · H mode · Yellow indicator
I’m preparing hardware links as another way to support this side project. Check the manufacturer’s model details above before choosing a device.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
02 / On the workbench
I’m working on arcade games, game-file adapters and little apps. The firmware is evolving. Here’s what’s in development and what’s still an idea.
Flying through gaps, breaking bricks, dodging shots and strapping on a jetpack. These are local firmware builds. Controls, sound and hardware testing are still moving.
Cartridge and game-file adapters are being worked on separately. Compatibility varies by file and build. Bring files you’re entitled to use and adapt.
Linked play between two devices is being explored. A complete two-device radio playthrough still needs testing.
These builds are being developed locally. Public downloads will arrive through GitHub once the firmware and installer are ready.
Two original game ideas
Both are concepts. The art below is a mockup. Neither game is implemented.
Concept / not implementedFlashlight dodging
The camp is quiet. The flashlight beams are doing laps. Pick your way back to the tent while the cones of light sweep between trees. Getting greedy about one more step is the whole problem.
Concept / not implementedCable-routing puzzle
Connect the right ports on a tiny patch panel. Every cable uses precious space. One suspiciously unhelpful lead keeps finding a way into the wrong socket. Yes, I want to make a game about cable management.
You must own a legitimate copy and have the rights required to use and adapt any game files you load. Owning a copy of Mario or Tetris does not automatically grant those rights. A checkbox cannot grant them either.
Bitty does not supply commercial ROMs, APKs, or a commercial game’s original artwork or music. Please keep commercial game files out of GitHub and Discord. Those names are examples of rights questions, not a promise of compatibility.
Read the U.S. Copyright Office’s guidance03 / Ready when the firmware is
The public website will send you to the installation experience maintained with the firmware. Device-specific builds and instructions belong together.
The firmware and USB installer are still being prepared for GitHub. A public installation release is not available yet. Check the project before plugging anything in.
Load your deviceOpens the Bitty GitHub project. No public installer is available yet.
Downloads and participation never require a star or payment.
04 / Come build something
I’m bringing Bitty into the Studio Upgrade Discord, alongside people building studio controllers, record-player gadgets and other useful or ridiculous gizmos.
Bring your tiny-screen ideas, your weird hardware and the thing you got half working. We can work with half.
Discussion in Discord. Bugs and device-port requests in GitHub Issues. Please share descriptions and original work, never commercial game files.
I’m looking for games built around tiny screens, a few buttons and tilt controls. If those limits sound fun, pull up a chair.
05 / Fuel the side project
If you like where this is going, you can support the experiments through GitHub Sponsors. There’s a one-time option if you’d like to buy the next coffee.
Everything here is open to you either way. Star Bitty on GitHub if you’d like to keep an eye on it.