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Lilka: Ukraine's DIY ESP32 Learning Console

A project log for Lilka

Lilka: DIY ESP32-S3 Learning Console with NES Emulation & Lua Support

bsverdlyukb.sverdlyuk 01/29/2026 at 05:180 Comments

Lilka is an open-source portable console built around the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 microcontroller. What makes it special? You can build it entirely from off-the-shelf modules available at most electronics stores — no custom PCBs required. Total cost in Ukraine is around $15-20.

Key Features:

But here's the important part: Lilka isn't marketed as a gaming console. It's a DIY learning platform that happens to play games. The goal is to provide affordable hardware for tinkering, plus a complete library for working with display, SD card, buttons, sound, battery, and other components.

Getting Started: Complete kits available at https://autkin.net/lilka/, or you can order the PCB from JLCPCB/PCBWay and source components yourself. Full assembly documentation available at docs.lilka.dev.

What Can You Build?

Software: Lilka runs Keira OS (based on FreeRTOS) with support for C++, Lua, and mJS scripting. The system recently received full English localization. You can write embedded programs or run scripts directly from SD card. The lilka library provides simple APIs for all hardware features.

Community: Active Discord community at discord.gg/ycmaz4vnbs Full source on GitHub: github.com/lilka-dev

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