Inspiration
Various retro console designs that integrate memory onto the cartridge itself for save data
What it does
Plays retro games from Python modules when a pre-programmed card is inserted into the tray
How we built it
With a Raspberry Pi, NFC reader, NFC tags, and a 3D-printed case. The NFC tag stores encoded save data using a Python/C struct and writes it to the NFC tag. When read, the game ID is processed and the current game's Python module is called to start the game in the same window handle as the launcher.
Challenges we ran into
3D printer was repeatedly getting stuck with the filament. We ended up using playing cards for the exterior of the cartridges with numerical IDs for each game based on their internal ID in our system.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are surprised at how quickly we were able to prototype the design using GenAI tools effectively.
What we learned
3D printing should have been done much earlier in the design phase.
What's next for KeepSake
3D-printing cartridges, online marketplace for third-part games on the console, more depending on user feedback
