An avid creator from New Zealand, going by the handle Ancient, unveiled a remarkably inventive device meant to launch the classic game DOOM. This curious gadget takes the form of a ring that houses a small display, a processor, and a bundle of components that together deliver a compact, wearable gaming interface. The project stands as a bold example of how hobbyist electronics can merge retro gaming with modern microcomputing in a surprisingly tangible way.
The core of the ring rests on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller, a popular choice among makers for its balance of power and simplicity. Nestled beside it is a compact OLED panel that renders crisp black and white imagery, enough to present the in-game menu, score readouts, and memorable DOOM visuals in a minimal, legible format. The entire assembly is kept powered by a LEGO-style battery pack, a nod to the maker’s preference for modular, easily sourced hardware. A USB‑C port is integrated to accommodate a small joystick for precise control, and it also serves for charging or flashing new software onto the ring as needed.
To turn this concept into a working device, the engineer designed a custom motherboard tailored to the ring’s unique form factor. In addition, the outer shell was brought to life with a 3D printed case, ensuring a snug, durable enclosure that fits the ring-like silhouette while protecting the electronics inside. The software running on the ring is a bespoke Linux-based operating system, streamlined specifically for handheld use and optimized to deliver smooth gameplay on the RP2040’s capabilities. This combination of hardware and software demonstrates a thoughtful balance between portability, performance, and user experience.
For those curious about the technical underpinnings, the project details emphasize the specific role of the RP2040 in handling game input, display refresh, and non-volatile storage, all while keeping power consumption in check to maximize playtime. The result is a compact, self-contained DOOM experience that can be carried on a finger, yet still feel substantial in its responsiveness and tactile feedback. The maker’s approach shows how even modestly powered microcontrollers can drive full-sized retro titles when paired with carefully chosen peripherals and a lean, purpose-built operating system.
In the broader landscape of Raspberry Pi projects and microcontroller experiments, this ring stands out as a vivid reminder that the era of do-it-yourself electronics remains alive and well. It echoes a growing trend where enthusiasts repurpose familiar classics, like DOOM, into new formats accessible to hobbyists and collectors alike. The project also echoes the retro revival seen across gaming communities, where nostalgia is paired with modern fabrication methods to create practical, collectible devices that spark conversation and inspire future builds.
Alongside the ring’s DOOM capabilities, there is occasional talk of related figures and media tied to classic survival horror, such as a new Silent Hill 2 figure portraying Pyramid Head and James, which fans eagerly discuss in circles that celebrate the fusion of gaming history and contemporary collectibles. While not a part of the device itself, such crossovers illustrate how retro games and modern collectibles coexist in the same cultural space, fueling conversations about how far hardware and design have come since the early days of PC gaming, and how communities keep those memories alive through creative projects and curated artifacts.