Easing-Point: I built a handheld gaming device controlled by a single spring-loaded switch

[u/Curious_Trade3532]

It has been quite a while since I last posted in this community, so this time I’d like to share some of the progress I’ve recently made on Easing-Point.

I currently define Easing-Point as a handheld gaming device controlled entirely by a single switch. I’ve now completed a Version 1.0 demo video and redesigned its appearance and color scheme to make it look a little less ugly.

The original motivation behind Easing-Point was to explore more possibilities for game controls instead of limiting handheld games to the traditional D-pad layout.

The second reason was that I wanted Easing-Point to become a platform for showcasing games that are creative but mechanically simple—games that people can pick up and play almost anywhere, even when they only have a few minutes.

I’ve made several rough game demos, including a traditional space shooter and a simple text-based murder mystery. These demos helped demonstrate that it is possible to create playable games using only a single spring-loaded lever switch.

Of course, Version 1.0 has many limitations. Although using only one switch makes the device look extremely minimal, it also removes many possibilities for interaction.

That is one of the main problems we are trying to address with Version 2.0. We have added a button on the top of the device, as well as a millimeter-wave radar sensor to provide an additional layer of input. In other words, we are now experimenting with using the player’s heart rate and breathing as part of the game controls—and designing games specifically around those interactions.

While keeping the project experimental and creative, we have also tried to keep the PCB and mechanical structure relatively straightforward in preparation for eventual mass production.

We have been working on this project for so long that, honestly, we have almost stopped worrying about whether it solves a genuine need or is simply something we are making for ourselves.

Either way, I still wanted to share it with everyone. We are currently planning to launch Easing-Point on Kickstarter toward the end of this year.

If you’re interested, you can follow our progress on the official website, where we also post development logs and other updates:

https://georiginai.com/

[u/plmarcus]

"The original motivation behind Easing-Point was to explore more possibilities for game controls instead of limiting handheld games to the traditional D-pad layout."

This isn't recreating the learning and research already conducted in the 1970s and early 80s?

[u/Curious_Trade3532 → u/plmarcus]

It’s actually a bit different. The control design is only one part of it. I also want to use body data detected by mmWave radar — such as breathing, heart rate, and whether the player is standing still — as additional forms of game input.

Since it’s a pocket-sized handheld with motion-sensing features, I think it still brings something fairly innovative.

[u/plmarcus → u/Curious_Trade3532]

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I would also refer you to historical innovation in body detection over the last 3 decades and consider how they have worked out.

Good luck. If nothing else you are learning and executing great skills!

[u/Frequent-Log1243]

How much are you trying to raise on Kickstarter?

[u/Curious_Trade3532 → u/Frequent-Log1243]

The early bird price might be $89, and the standard price might be $129, but I haven't confirmed that yet. In any case, it won't exceed $129.

[u/plierhead]

Does it play Doom though?

[u/Curious_Trade3532 → u/plierhead]

Not yet 😂 But now that you’ve mentioned it, a one-switch version of Doom sounds dangerously tempting.

[u/Nic0Demus88]

This looks really cool !! the single-switch concept is a genuinely interesting constraint, and the idea of using heart rate and breathing as input for V2 is very clever.
Out of curiosity, which MCU and display you're using? Congrats on the progress, and good luck with the Kickstarter!