This is a fantastic reproduction design, especially the emphasis on preserving the analog feel rather than simply emulating the gameplay. Using 12-bit DACs and DMA buffering sounds like a great way to reduce the digital artifacts common in many retro reproductions. It also reminds me of how review and comparison resources like https://notgamstop.co.com/bonuses/free-spins-no-deposit-no-gamstop/ carefully evaluate different implementations and features. This helps users find the best experience. Seeing the gaming device in the HI-SCORE museum is a nice touch - I hope more enthusiasts get the chance to try it out.

Nice build, I made one around 3 years ago using a AVR64DD28 and 2 R-2R 8 bit DACs. See https://www.hackster.io/john-bradnam/tennis-for-two-8ef69c

Ah yeah, then i saw your project while researching too as one of the latest variants.

Also looked pretty cool on the project page :)

I tested a few different ones but wasn't happy with the 8b r2r solution most implementations used and that lead to this project in order to make the movement smoother and feel more analog.

Excellent project! I have 2 questions:
1. Game play: When playing the game, what does the pot control? I would assume it sets the height of the paddle, but sometimes it looks like ball it hit closer to the net and other times further, so perhaps it is the position of the paddle left to right? And there is no onscreen indication of this, so I assume you are expected to "guess" based on the position you have turned the paddle.
2. Sound: What would it take to add a speaker which reproduces the sound of the relays clacking? ,o)

1. The pot controls the angle of the hit. The visual representation and controls match the original this is aiming to recreate and not having extra indicators or score counters is part of that. The original was also controlled only by a single button and potentiometer.

2. Sound could be added but i feel that it would make it seem more fake.