Developer Runs Pac-Man on Arduino Uno System
A new fan-made engine allows the classic game to run on televisions using basic microcontroller hardware.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Gaming
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Scott Porter has developed a custom Arduino-based system capable of running Pac-Man Championship Edition on a standard television. This fan-made project utilizes an Arduino Uno to generate video and audio output.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates how hobbyist hardware can be programmed to handle complex real-time graphics and audio on older display technologies. It provides a technical blueprint for enthusiasts interested in low-level game engine development.
The system achieves a resolution of 256 by 256 pixels and requires an Arduino Uno with a 16 MHz crystal for stable operation. It supports a fixed frame rate of 50 frames per second using a racing the beam technique.
The players
Scott Porter
He is the developer who created the Arduino-based engine to port the game.
The details
The engine generates composite video and audio by using a transistor-based circuit and digital pins to sync graphics with the television scan. Users can also incorporate an optional Nintendo Entertainment System controller port for input.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The project details were published.
Culture Shift
This project highlights the ongoing maker culture trend of repurposing accessible hardware to revive retro gaming experiences. It reflects a shift toward open-source, community-driven engineering that pushes the limits of low-cost microcontrollers.
Enthusiasts can access the project firmware and schematics via GitHub to build their own systems. Adoption requires basic knowledge of electronics and access to an Arduino Uno with specific timing components.
The takeaway
This project provides a practical way for hobbyists to explore low-level firmware development using the GNU General Public License version 3. Readers interested in the project can experiment with the code to understand how video signals are generated on constrained hardware.
Further reading
For more on DIY console projects and retro development, visit the Gaming section.
More information
View the complete project documentation and repository link for technical details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electronics For You - Official Site ElectronicsForU.com.
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