ESPHome Cartridge Player

A little ESPHome device to stoke my physical media nostalgia!
358
1045
12
9576
updated July 18, 2025

Makes

Comments

Awesome project! It's simple yet so much fun. I had no problems with the 3D printing. All the parts fit perfectly and assembly was smooth. I had some problems with the RC522 'flapping,' (tag constantly connecting/disconnecting). This is likely because of the low-quality module I got from aliexpress. However I fixed the problem on the software side with a 2s delayed_off filter. I used the esp32 c3 super mini and the rc522.

Image preview
Image preview
Image preview
Image preview

thanks i always try to make them little cinematic xD

Supper fun project and super cool thing to have. I change mine up so it can run my steam games on my pc and added my best steam games.

Image preview
Image preview

This sounds like a fun project to dive into this weekend. I’m trying to figure out the practical steps, though, how do you recommend printing and cutting the posters? I’m not sure what size they should be. I noticed the Sticker_Template.pdf linked on your GitHub, but I’m not sure how to use it. A quick walkthrough or a few basic instructions would be really appreciated.

Is there a reason the sides and side clips on the cartridge bottom piece are so skinny? Has anyone remixed the model and made those parts thicker? I've snapped a number of them when trying to detach from a raft or print bed.

first off...LOVE this project! I'm getting all my parts right now so i can set it up and start testing for my kids.

I've got an ID printer and a ton of blank PVC cards. that will make my labeling process a lot simpler once I figure out how to modify the cartridge so i can install the id cards as the label (without them falling out), ideally without needing to glue them in.

is there a way to salvage the cartridge holder if the little flap didn't print or do i need to do it all over? is it necessary?

Image preview

@DmParrish_876717 I had one that spahgettied on me so i canceled it, then i popped some supports on so it printed great but when detaching the supports, the clip snapped off way too easily. I'm supergluing it back in place and hope that works. I think i may need to add a ridge or two for flex support on the outside of this piece

Color change on layers 4-6.
Printer needs a new flex sheet.

Image preview

Really fun project, my 5 year old daughter really appreciated it! :)

Image preview

Great build, despite my lackluster soldering skills came together well. I wish there was a bit more room for the buzzer since I apparently purchased one that was too big despite my best intentions, but I'll probably just get a new one and mod it later. I wish it had facility for a couple clean external buttons to 'power it up' as my home assistant playback devices kind of need (so far despite my best attempts) a 2 step launch system, first get into the app, then insert the cartridge, but I think my nostalgia is being played to and my kids are looking forward to having their favorite movies on a cartridge.
Prints were all easy and came together well.
Circuit diagrams clear. Couple hiccups with loading the firmware but got that sorted with some minimal trial and error.

I did find that at least in my build the NFC module won't work depending on what power source I'm using, not sure why yet, but just something to note if you can't find anything else wrong.

Thanks for all the work that went into this, looking forward to Christmas movie season and popcorn.

Image preview
Image preview

@Andrew_86308 Did you use the c3 or the s3 board? Mine works for like 10 minutes perfectly when I plug it in and then stops. Unplug and plug it back in and the same thing again.

@CrAaAaZyLeGs_682136 I used the C3 board - I've noticed that some of my power cables power it up (as in the board lights turn on) but do not apparently provide enough draw for the NFC module to actually work as intended. I would try powering it with a few different cables and power sources and see if the problem goes away.

I've been having some stability issues with the commands firing consistently - but I think that comes down to network traffic mostly - sometimes I have to insert a cartridge twice to get it to pick up for example.
However - I've mostly been doing short-term tests as I get this thing hooked up the way I want. I'll plug it in, set a timer, and come back to it in 30 minutes and see if it's still working as expected and let you know. (edited)

View one more comment

Anyone had any luck of automating something from Disney Plus?

@MrNeedlemouse seem like its really a PITA to succeed with the automations at all for video (other than Youtube) if you dont have local content. A bit disappointed, should have done the research before :(

The model is amazing though, but I will probably just use it for my 5 year old daughter to play music, for now.

@MrNeedlemouse you can definitely do it!

I was able to get Netflix & Disney Plus working without too many issues, but that was via an Android TV media player.

View 4 more comments

Could you provide step files for easier remixing?

Now i've done it all: printed, soldered, assembled, flashed my esp32-s3. Now the esp32 seem to be in a forever boot loop. Is this really the correct hardware? https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/ESP32-S3-Zero (edited)

@MrNeedlemouse Had to compile the firmware file myself for it to work.

@MrNeedlemouse I'll look into my firmware - might be an error in there I missed!