MatTris: Building a Handheld Tetris on a Custom LED Matrix

Adafruit’s latest maker spotlight features MatTris, a portable, custom-built version of Tetris running on a compact LED matrix you can hold in your hand.  

At its core, MatTris is a handcrafted gaming device built around a 14×20 WS2812 LED matrix and an RP2040 microcontroller. Rather than using an off-the-shelf display, the maker designed a custom printed circuit board (PCB) that integrates the LED grid, power circuitry, and control buttons into one sleek handheld unit.  

What’s Inside
    •    LED Display: A grid of individually addressable WS2812 RGB LEDs arranged in 14 columns by 20 rows provides the game’s visual output.  
    •    Controller: A small RP2040-based board handles all game logic, driving the display and reading input from the buttons.  
    •    Controls: A simple set of push buttons lets you move pieces left and right, rotate them, and speed up their drop—just like classic Tetris.  
    •    Power: A 3.7 V LiPo battery and onboard power management IC keep MatTris running for hours without any cables.  

The project leveraged tools like Fusion 360 for mechanical design and PCB layout software to produce the custom board. A 3D-printed enclosure keeps everything snug and comfortable to hold.