2 layers50 × 35 mm
2 layers55 × 30 mm
Cartridge PCB
bpbwaite/Cartridge1Tools for the creation of a simulated physical game library
- Size
- 55 × 30 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 17
- Nets
- 50
- Pads
- 84
- Tracks, vias
- 112, 1
- Pours
- 41
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 25 Feb 2026
- Updated
- 1 Nov 2026
Overview
Cartridge PCB is an open-source printed circuit board by bpbwaite, from the bpbwaite/Cartridge repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 55 × 30 mm with 17 parts on 50 nets, routed with 112 tracks and 1 via.
Its parts include 2 connectors, 1 capacitor, 1 resistor, 1 IC and 1 switch. It belongs with the retro computing and games boards and the NXP (LPC, Kinetis, i.MX RT) boards of this library.
README
README.mdCartridge
Tools for creating a physical game library.
Description
Cartridge lets you launch PC games with NFC tags - without any software running on your computer.
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Features
-
Guided setup
- Automatically generates your game list without any sign-ins
- Automatically generates a printable library PDF, to cut and paste on your 3D printed Cartridges
- Semi-automated NFC tag provisioning
-
Configurable Reader
- Launch any game or executable file by placing a Cartridge on the Reader
- Send a hotkey combination when launching SteamVR games (e.g. to launch WiGig software or power on bay-stations)
- Option to close Steam games when a new game is launched via Cartridge
- Option to launch a random game with a specific Cartridge
- Stylish indicator LEDs
-
NOTE: Cartridge is still in development. It only works on Windows 10/11. Library image generation is limited to Steam games at the moment.
- Upcoming features: Sound effects, Linux support (with some additional setup), optional WiFi module?
Why?
Because it's super cool, and having a physical representation of your library makes it fun and easy to share.
Building Source
(todo)
- python script build
- platformio env:teensy40
- uploading the firmware
Assembly
Hardware & Materials
You will need:
- 1x Teensy 4.0
- 1x PN532 NFC Module
- 1x Micro USB Cable (with functional D+/D- wires)
- 1x FR4 Protoboard -OR- a populated PCB
- 1x DIP Switch (3 switches, 6 pin)
- 7x Self-tapping 2.5mm Screws
- Neopixel Strip (3 LEDs long)
- 3x Mini Rubber Feet
- NTAG215 Stickers (x however many games you have)
- 6mm by 2mm magnets (2x however many games you have)
- Super Glue
- Photo paper
- Rubber cement
- 3D Printer filament
(todo assembly instructions)
Demo
Parts
17| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | SolderJumper_2_Open | Jumper:SolderJumper-2_P1.3mm_Open_RoundedPad1.0x1.5mm | JP1, JP2 |
| 2 | TestPoint | TestPoint:TestPoint_Pad_D1.5mm | TP1, TP2 |
| 2 | TestPoint | TestPoint:TestPoint_Pad_1.5x1.5mm | TP3, TP4 |
| 1 | 100 | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolder | R1 |
| 1 | 1uF | PCM_Capacitor_SMD_US_Handsoldering_AKL:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm | C1 |
| 1 | Conn_01x03_Pin | Connector_JST:JST_XH_B3B-XH-A_1x03_P2.50mm_Vertical | J3 |
| 1 | Conn_01x06_Pin | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x06_P2.54mm_Horizontal | J1 |
| 1 | SW_DIP_x03 | Button_Switch_THT:SW_DIP_SPSTx03_Slide_9.78x9.8mm_W7.62mm_P2.54mm | SW1 |
| 1 | TEENSY40 | _cartridge-library:Teensy_4.0 | U1 |
The 12 most common of 17 parts.
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Questions
How big is the Cartridge PCB PCB?
It measures 55 × 30 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Cartridge PCB use?
17 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Cartridge PCB KiCad files?
From the bpbwaite/Cartridge repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is cartridge-pcb/Cartridge-PCB.kicad_pcb and its schematic cartridge-pcb/Cartridge-PCB.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Cartridge PCB design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask bpbwaite before reusing the design.