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Version 4 - Professional PCBs and 2.8" Display

A project log for Ultimate Brick Game: A Childhood Icon Rewired

The infamous “9999-in-1” handheld was never real — so I rebuilt it with a Pi Zero, a 2.8 TFT display, and a 4800mAh battery

jorisclaytonJorisclayton 6 hours ago0 Comments

The journey from a "9999-in-1" toy to a high-performance handheld is almost complete. I am thrilled to announce Version 4, which I consider the definitive and final version of the Ultimate Brick Game.

Professional Engineering with PCBWay

The biggest leap in this version was the transition to custom-designed PCBs. Thanks to the support and sponsorship of PCBWay, the internal hardware is now professional-grade. The boards came out perfect: extremely faithful to my schematics, with high-quality finishes and precise tolerances that allowed everything to fit like a glove inside the cramped original shell.

With these PCBs, the "birds' nest" of wires is gone. Assembly is now straightforward and replicable. I am making all Gerber files available so anyone can order their own boards and build this project.

Display and Performance

While this version was optimized for a 2.8-inch display, the design remains compatible with 2.4-inch screens.

Power and Usability

The U.B.G. is now a reliable daily driver:

What’s in the Files?

I am releasing the complete package for the community:

  1. Updated Gerbers: The most refined version of the boards, including all minor adjustments found during the V3-V4 transition.
  2. Configuration Backup: A "ready-to-go" set of files including the modified display drivers, startup routines, automated video-out switching logic, and pre-mapped controls.
  3. 3D Models & Templates: Final STLs for the internal supports and, most importantly, cutting templates (jigs) to help you modify the original Brick Game shell with precision.

Whats remaining: Expansion Board

The console is finished, but there is one optional "plus" in the works. The Expansion Board (for TV-out and external USB access) is already functional in its schematic form, allowing you to use the handheld as a desktop console. While it works, I’m still refining its physical form factor to make it look like a finished product.

Grab the files, order your PCBs at PCBWay, and let's keep the retro spirit alive!


Photos and Assembly Overview

The photos below show the custom PCBs as manufactured, highlighting the excellent fabrication quality and how faithfully they match the original designs.
Following that, you can see the fully assembled console, demonstrating how the boards, wiring, and 3D-printed supports fit cleanly and precisely inside the original Brick Game shell.

These images give a clear view of the final internal layout and the overall finish of the Version 4 build.

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