A creative maker has developed a modern controller system powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller that lets players experience the groundbreaking 1962 space combat game Spacewar! with authentic controls.
Originally developed for the DEC PDP-1 minicomputer at MIT, Spacewar! was one of the earliest computer games, challenging players to navigate spacecraft and fire torpedoes at opponents. Now, thanks to clever engineering, this classic can be played using custom hardware that captures the spirit of the original.
The new control system, created by maker Tominator2000, uses a single Raspberry Pi Pico to manage dual analog controllers and a fire button. The setup interfaces with a JavaScript-based Spacewar! emulator through USB HID emulation, allowing it to be recognized as a standard gamepad.
Players use the left joystick to rotate their spacecraft while controlling thrust with the right stick. A dedicated button launches torpedoes at opposing vessels. The control scheme closely mirrors the original game's mechanics while providing modern USB plug-and-play convenience.
The display setup also pays homage to the original hardware, using a square 1024x1024 resolution screen with a circular bezel that recreates the distinctive look of the PDP-1's round display. This higher resolution provides crisp visuals while maintaining the classic vector graphics style.
The project leverages the PicoGamepad library created by Reddit user Jake_at_real_robots for joystick input handling. Tominator2000 developed this system to showcase at Chicago Gamespace, allowing a new generation to experience one of computing's earliest games with period-appropriate controls.
This innovative blend of vintage gaming and modern maker technology demonstrates how contemporary hardware can preserve and enhance historic interactive experiences for today's audiences.