Experiment Proves Doom Can Run on Audio Companion Devices
An American blogger and technology enthusiast recently showcased a surprising feat: the classic first‑person shooter Doom playing on a smart toothbrush with a color display and wireless connectivity. This breakthrough was highlighted by a technology news outlet in coverage that sparked broad interest in device versatility and retro gaming on unconventional hardware.
The creator updated the toothbrush’s firmware over a Wi‑Fi network by loading a specialized software build onto the ESP32‑C3 microcontroller that powers the device. With the firmware in place, a 1993 video game was transferred onto the toothbrush, demonstrating that Doom can run on ESP32 family microcontrollers. The process was described as straightforward, relying on the existing capabilities of the ESP32 platform to host the game’s executable and supporting libraries. The result was a playable Doom experience on a toothbrush, underscoring the flexibility of embedded systems and microcontroller ecosystems. [TechRadar attribution]
Despite first impressions of a toothbrush as a simple grooming gadget, the hardware exposed its sensors and peripherals to the game environment. To control the on‑screen character, the experiment required connecting a wireless mouse to the toothbrush. This unusual control method allowed the player to navigate Doom’s levels and interact with enemies, providing a practical demonstration that gaming can extend to devices far outside traditional consoles. The demonstration suggested that even with limited input devices, a robust gaming experience is achievable on compact hardware. [TechRadar attribution]
Doom remains one of the most enduring and influential games in video game history. Beyond this particular case, enthusiasts have repeatedly shown that Doom can run on a wide variety of quirky platforms, from household appliances to garden tools and beyond. The underlying message is clear: modern microcontrollers and firmware interfaces can support sizeable software ecosystems when developers push the boundaries of what is possible. The experiment adds a fresh narrative to the long tradition of trying Doom on unlikely hardware. [TechRadar attribution]
Earlier demonstrations included experiments where Doom was run on devices that are far from traditional computing gear, illustrating a broader curiosity about the limits of embedded systems. A separate line of exploration has even featured Doom running on an unlikely “computer” formed by biological systems, such as gut bacteria, for a provocative look at the interface between biology and computation. These explorations collectively emphasize how resilient and adaptable classic software can be when paired with diverse hardware platforms. [TechRadar attribution]