This tutorial is part of: ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix
Cool project to create for fun and practical applications using ESP32-S3 RGB Matrix module. Links to other videos are below this article.
ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Project 6 - Cible game
Project 6 – Target Game (Tilt the Board to Hit the Circle)
Project 6 is the final and most interactive project in this ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix series. Using the onboard QMI8658C motion sensor, you tilt the board to move a dot around the 8×8 matrix. A circular “target zone” sits in the middle of the display. When your dot touches the circle, the color changes and (optionally) a buzzer beeps. This creates a simple but surprisingly fun balance/coordination game.
All six projects are demonstrated in a single YouTube video (embedded on this page). The complete game code is loaded automatically below this article, and affiliate purchase links for the module appear under the code section.

ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Module Overview
This module includes:

- ESP32-S3 microcontroller (Wi-Fi + BLE)
- 8×8 RGB LED matrix (64 addressable LEDs)
- QMI8658C accelerometer for tilt and orientation sensing
- USB-C port for power and programming
- Boot / Reset buttons
- Available GPIO pins for add-ons like buzzers or sensors
For this game, the accelerometer is essential—it continuously reports X/Y tilt, allowing the dot to move smoothly based on board angle. The video section for this project clearly shows how the dot glides and reacts as you tilt the module left/right/forward/back.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Projects Covered in the Video (Timestamps)
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 02:01 – Installing ESP32 boards
- 03:32 – Installing libraries
- 05:32 – Project 1: Moving Dot
- 11:11 – Project 2: Text Scroll
- 12:59 – Project 3: HTTP Text
- 16:41 – Project 4: Tilt Dot
- 18:55 – Project 5: Arrow Up
- 20:02 – Project 6: Target Game (this project)
This portion of the video shows both the dot movement and the circle detection logic in action, making it easier to understand how the coordinates behave.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Installing ESP32 Boards in Arduino IDE
If you have already completed the earlier projects, board installation is done. Otherwise follow:
File > Preferences→ Add ESP32 board URL.Tools > Board > Boards Manager…→ Install “ESP32”.- Select the ESP32-S3 board under
Tools > Board. - Select the correct COM port under
Tools > Port.
Installing Required Libraries
This game uses:
Adafruit NeoMatrixAdafruit NeoPixelAdafruit GFXQMI8658(motion sensor)
Install them via:
Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries…- Search: NeoMatrix → Install
- Install dependencies (GFX + NeoPixel)
- Search and install QMI8658
How the Target Game Works
The QMI8658C accelerometer provides X and Y tilt values. These are mapped to LED coordinates (0–7 in both directions). Your dot moves across the matrix based on the board’s angle.
A circle (or ring) is drawn on the display as the “target area.” You win a “hit” whenever the dot overlaps the circle. At that moment:
- The target color changes (random or predefined)
- An optional buzzer beeps (if connected)
Since the matrix is small, the circle is drawn using a simple radius check. The game runs continuously, so you can tilt back and forth to hit the circle repeatedly.
Project 6 – Code Settings (Target Game)
Below are the main user-adjustable settings located at the top of the sketch. The full code is automatically included below this article.
Matrix Configuration
// Matrix configuration
const int MATRIX_PIN = 14;
const int MATRIX_WIDTH = 8;
const int MATRIX_HEIGHT = 8;
The RGB matrix is hard-wired to GPIO 14—do not change this.
Brightness
uint8_t matrixBrightness = 40; // 0–255
For indoor use, 30–60 is ideal.
Dot Color
// Dot color (R, G, B)
uint8_t dotRed = 255;
uint8_t dotGreen = 255;
uint8_t dotBlue = 255;
This is the dot you move by tilting the board.
Circle Color (Random or Fixed)
// Circle (target) color
uint8_t circleRed = 0;
uint8_t circleGreen = 0;
uint8_t circleBlue = 255;
// If true, choose a new random color each time the dot hits
bool randomCircleColor = true;
Set randomCircleColor = false; if you want a fixed color.
Circle Radius
// Target size (radius)
int targetRadius = 3; // 3 fits well on 8×8 matrix
Larger radii make the game easier; smaller ones make it harder.
Tilt Sensitivity
// Sensitivity of tilt mapping
float tiltScale = 4.0f; // increase = faster movement across screen
If the dot moves too fast or jumps, reduce this number.
Buzzer Settings (Optional)
// Buzzer pin (optional)
int buzzerPin = 6; // connect buzzer + to pin 6, – to GND
bool useBuzzer = true; // set false to disable sound
If you don’t connect a buzzer, simply set useBuzzer = false;
Summary
Project 6 combines everything learned from earlier projects: matrix drawing, accelerometer input, color control, movement smoothing, and optional sound. Tilting the board moves the dot, and hitting the circle changes its color and (optionally) triggers a beep. It’s a fun demonstration of motion-sensing on a compact RGB display.
The full “Target Game” code is displayed automatically below this article. You can also watch the Project 6 portion of the video to see how the dot moves and how hits are detected. If you’d like to build your own game, affiliate links for buying the ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix module appear under the code section.
This tutorial is part of: ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Project 1- Basic Dot
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Project 2 - Scrolling Text
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Project 3 - Text from mobile phone
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Project 4 - Tilt dot
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Project 5 - Arrow always up
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Wi-Fi + NTP Time Clock Project -1 Basic Clock
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Internet Clock Project - 2 Clock multi color Time & Date Display
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Internet Clock Project - 3 Night Color with Date
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Internet Clock Project - 5 Rainbow color
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix Internet Clock Project - 4 Random color
- ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix test for RGB, GRB setting
/*
Project 6: Tilt Circle Game – ESP32-S3 RGB LED Matrix (Waveshare)
This sketch reads tilt from the QMI8658C IMU and smoothly moves a dot
on the 8×8 RGB LED matrix based on board orientation.
▶️ Video Tutorial:
https://youtu.be/JKLuYrRcLMI
📚⬇️ Resources & Code Page:
https://robojax.com/RJT829
QMI8658_RGB_2
*/
#include <Arduino.h>
#include <math.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_NeoMatrix.h>
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>
#include <QMI8658.h> // by Lahav Gahali
// -------- LED MATRIX SETUP --------
#define MATRIX_PIN 14
#define MATRIX_WIDTH 8
#define MATRIX_HEIGHT 8
// Buzzer pin – change this to your actual buzzer GPIO.
const int BUZZER_PIN = 6; // TODO: set to your buzzer pin
// Matrix brightness (0–255)
const uint8_t MATRIX_BRIGHTNESS = 10;
Adafruit_NeoMatrix matrix = Adafruit_NeoMatrix(
MATRIX_WIDTH, MATRIX_HEIGHT, MATRIX_PIN,
NEO_MATRIX_TOP + NEO_MATRIX_LEFT +
NEO_MATRIX_ROWS + NEO_MATRIX_PROGRESSIVE,
NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800
);
// -------- IMU SETUP --------
QMI8658 imu;
// -------- GAME CONFIG --------
// How often the dot is allowed to move (ms).
// Bigger = slower movement.
const uint16_t MOVE_INTERVAL_MS = 150; // try 120–250
// How much tilt (m/s^2) before the dot moves.
// Increase if it feels too sensitive.
const float ACC_TILT_THRESHOLD = 2.0f; // about ~0.2 g
// Dot base color (RGB)
const uint8_t DOT_R = 255;
const uint8_t DOT_G = 255;
const uint8_t DOT_B = 255;
// Circle geometry (centered on 8x8)
const float CIRCLE_CENTER_X = (MATRIX_WIDTH - 1) / 2.0f; // 3.5
const float CIRCLE_CENTER_Y = (MATRIX_HEIGHT - 1) / 2.0f; // 3.5
const float CIRCLE_RADIUS = 3.0f;
const float CIRCLE_THICKNESS = 0.8f; // +- thickness around radius
// -------- GAME STATE --------
// Dot position on the 8x8 grid (0..7)
int dotX = 3;
int dotY = 3;
// Colors (16-bit NeoMatrix colors)
uint16_t dotColor;
uint16_t circleColor;
// To detect “just touched circle” vs “still on circle”
bool wasOnCircle = false;
// Timer for rate-limiting movement
unsigned long lastMoveTime = 0;
// -------- HELPER FUNCTIONS --------
// Classic NeoPixel color wheel (0-255 -> rainbow)
uint16_t wheel(byte pos) {
if (pos < 85) {
return matrix.Color(pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3, 0);
} else if (pos < 170) {
pos -= 85;
return matrix.Color(255 - pos * 3, 0, pos * 3);
} else {
pos -= 170;
return matrix.Color(0, pos * 3, 255 - pos * 3);
}
}
// Is a given pixel approximately on the circle?
bool isOnCircle(int x, int y) {
float dx = x - CIRCLE_CENTER_X;
float dy = y - CIRCLE_CENTER_Y;
float d2 = dx * dx + dy * dy;
float rMin = CIRCLE_RADIUS - CIRCLE_THICKNESS;
float rMax = CIRCLE_RADIUS + CIRCLE_THICKNESS;
return (d2 >= rMin * rMin) && (d2 <= rMax * rMax);
}
// Draw circle + dot
void drawScene() {
matrix.fillScreen(0);
// Draw circle
for (int y = 0; y < MATRIX_HEIGHT; y++) {
for (int x = 0; x < MATRIX_WIDTH; x++) {
if (isOnCircle(x, y)) {
matrix.drawPixel(x, y, circleColor);
}
}
}
// Draw dot (on top)
matrix.drawPixel(dotX, dotY, dotColor);
matrix.show();
}
// Simple blocking beep (short)
void buzzOnce() {
digitalWrite(BUZZER_PIN, HIGH);
delay(40);
digitalWrite(BUZZER_PIN, LOW);
}
// Use accelerometer to decide dot movement
void updateDotFromTilt(float ax, float ay) {
unsigned long now = millis();
if (now - lastMoveTime < MOVE_INTERVAL_MS) {
return; // too soon, wait
}
int dx = 0;
int dy = 0;
// On this board, Y tilt feels like "left/right" on the matrix,
// and X tilt feels like "up/down" → so we swap.
// --- Horizontal movement from AY (tilt left/right) ---
if (ay > ACC_TILT_THRESHOLD) {
dx = 1; // tilt to the right → move dot to the right
} else if (ay < -ACC_TILT_THRESHOLD) {
dx = -1; // tilt to the left → move dot to the left
}
// --- Vertical movement from AX (tilt forward/back) ---
// This was inverted. We flip the signs:
// ax > threshold = tilt "forward" (away) → move dot UP (dy = -1)
// ax < -threshold = tilt "back" (toward)→ move dot DOWN(dy = 1)
if (ax > ACC_TILT_THRESHOLD) {
dy = -1; // was +1 before
} else if (ax < -ACC_TILT_THRESHOLD) {
dy = 1; // was -1 before
}
if (dx != 0 || dy != 0) {
dotX = constrain(dotX + dx, 0, MATRIX_WIDTH - 1);
dotY = constrain(dotY + dy, 0, MATRIX_HEIGHT - 1);
lastMoveTime = now;
}
}
// -------- SETUP & LOOP --------
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
delay(100);
// Matrix init
matrix.begin();
matrix.setBrightness(MATRIX_BRIGHTNESS);
matrix.fillScreen(0);
matrix.show();
// Buzzer init
pinMode(BUZZER_PIN, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(BUZZER_PIN, LOW);
// IMU init
if (!imu.begin(11, 12)) {
Serial.println("Failed to initialize QMI8658!");
while (1) {
delay(100);
}
}
// Use m/s^2 and dps (optional, but nice)
imu.setAccelUnit_mps2(true);
imu.setGyroUnit_dps(true);
imu.setDisplayPrecision(3);
Serial.println("QMI8658 initialized.");
// Game initial state
randomSeed((uint32_t)micros());
dotX = MATRIX_WIDTH / 2;
dotY = MATRIX_HEIGHT / 2;
dotColor = matrix.Color(DOT_R, DOT_G, DOT_B);
circleColor = wheel(random(256));
drawScene();
}
void loop() {
// Read accelerometer
float ax, ay, az;
if (imu.readAccelMPS2(ax, ay, az)) {
// Debug if needed:
// Serial.print("AX: "); Serial.print(ax);
// Serial.print(" AY: "); Serial.print(ay);
// Serial.print(" AZ: "); Serial.println(az);
updateDotFromTilt(ax, ay);
}
// Check collision with circle
bool onCircle = isOnCircle(dotX, dotY);
if (onCircle && !wasOnCircle) {
// Just touched circle: change color + beep
circleColor = wheel(random(256));
buzzOnce();
}
wasOnCircle = onCircle;
// Redraw
drawScene();
// Small delay so we don’t hammer I2C too hard
delay(10);
}
Things you might need
-
Amazon
-
eBay
-
AliExpressPurchase ESP32-S3 RGB Matrix from AliExpresss.click.aliexpress.com
-
AliExpressPurchase ESP32-S3 RGB Matrix from AliExpress (2)s.click.aliexpress.com
Resources & references
-
Internal🎨 Color picker Toolrobojax.com
Files📁
Fritzing File
-
esp32-S3-supermini-tht fritzing part
esp32-S3-supermini-tht.fzpz0.02 MB