This project began with my son Michi, who wanted a memory game.I instantly remembered the classic Simon game from the 80s — the one with glowing buttons and catchy tones. It felt like the perfect father–son project.
There was just one catch:I was new to ESP32 development and new to 3D printing.
That made it the perfect learning challenge. I could build something nostalgic and fun, while teaching myself electronics, coding, and design along the way.
So “Michi Says” was born — a modern, DIY version of Simon, powered by an ESP32, wrapped in a custom 3D-printed enclosure, and built around big, satisfying arcade buttons.
✨ FeaturesFour 60mm illuminated arcade buttons (bright and clicky, perfect for kids’ hands)
- Four 60mm illuminated arcade buttons (bright and clicky, perfect for kids’ hands)
ESP32 microcontroller — easy to program, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ready if we want to expand
- ESP32 microcontroller — easy to program, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ready if we want to expand
Buzzer for classic Simon-style tones
- Buzzer for classic Simon-style tones
Custom enclosure: parametric design in OpenSCAD, strong walls, snap-fit clips, kid-proof
- Custom enclosure: parametric design in OpenSCAD, strong walls, snap-fit clips, kid-proof
Game logic that grows the sequence each round until you make a mistake
- Game logic that grows the sequence each round until you make a mistake
All code and 3D models are open-source — ready for anyone to build or modify
- All code and 3D models are open-source — ready for anyone to build or modify
The ESP32 flashes a sequence of lights and tones.
- The ESP32 flashes a sequence of lights and tones.
Michi (or you!) repeat the pattern by pressing the arcade buttons.
- Michi (or you!) repeat the pattern by pressing the arcade buttons.
Each correct round makes the sequence longer.
- Each correct round makes the sequence longer.
One wrong button press = game over.
- One wrong button press = game over.
To share a bit of 80s nostalgia with my son.
- To share a bit of 80s nostalgia with my son.
To learn ESP32 coding (button inputs, LED control, buzzer sounds).
- To learn ESP32 coding (button inputs, LED control, buzzer sounds).
To learn 3D printing and CAD design (designing an enclosure that actually fits).
- To learn 3D printing and CAD design (designing an enclosure that actually fits).
To create something fun, tangible, and family-friendly.
- To create something fun, tangible, and family-friendly.
What started as a small experiment turned into a complete DIY game console — something my son can proudly say we built together.
⚡ Michi Says is open-source. Fork it, print it, play it, and maybe even build it with your own kids.
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