TamaFi – Modern Interactive WiFi Calibrated Virtual Pet
Version 2 is a fully upgraded recreation of the classic virtual pet project, equipped with enhanced hardware, optimized intelligent logic, and a compact, refined PCB design that delivers the premium finish of a finished consumer electronic device.
Powered by the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, this desktop companion evolves gradually over time and makes independent behavioral decisions based on built-in virtual cycles and user daily interactions.
The embedded WiFi module is only used for automatic real-time clock synchronization; it will never scan, collect or store any surrounding wireless network information, hotspot data or personal privacy content.
✨ Core Highlights (V2 Updated Edition)
⚙ Built around ESP32-S3 Chip – Boosted overall processing performance, native USB connectivity, ample expandability for future functional upgrades
🖥 ST7789 240×240 TFT Color Display – Vivid full-color interactive UI, customizable character sprites, status bars and multi-level functional menus
🧠 Independent Autonomous Behavior System – The pet actively wanders, rests, plays and changes moods automatically without manual operation
⏱ Timing & Interaction Driven Lifecycle – Virtual stamina, mood and health values shift based on device runtime and your regular care interactions
🎛 Complete Hierarchical Menu System: Pet Status, Environment Overview, System Information, Quick Controls, Preference Settings, Built-in Diagnostic Tools
💾 Persistent Data Storage – Pet age, stats, growth stage and custom settings are permanently saved in flash memory via the Preferences library, retained after power off & reboot
🌈 4× WS2812-2020 Addressable RGB LEDs – Dynamic light effects to reflect mood, activity and resting status (happy / gloomy / idle / sleeping visual modes)
🔊 Retro Chiptune Sound Player – Non-blocking vintage beep sound effects for interactions and scene transitions
🖱 6 Tactile Physical Buttons – 3 buttons arranged on each side for easy menu navigation and shortcut operations
🛠 DisplayKit Compatible UI Workflow – All graphic assets can be designed, edited and exported via DisplayKit for personalized interface customization
How TamaFi V2 Works & Behaves
TamaFi is far more than a simple looping animation display. It runs an independent decision-making system that continuously calculates and updates the pet’s overall state based on multiple internal parameters:
Core Pet Statistics
Hunger Level, Happiness Index, Physical Health Status
Innate Personality Traits
Curiosity, Activity Level, Stress Condition
Virtual Environmental Parameters
Day/night cycle, accumulated runtime duration, idle standby time
Lifespan Timeline
Age recorded in minutes, hours and full days
According to these comprehensive indicators, the pet will autonomously trigger different behaviors:
🍖 Nourish & Recover – Restore stamina and happiness through regular virtual feeding cycles
👁 Explore & Play – Roam the home screen with varied animations when feeling curious and energetic
😴 Sleep Mode – Enter long rest cycle with exclusive egg hibernation animation to recover physical conditions
😐 Idle Standby – Stay relaxed on the main interface with mood-matched idle animations
Multi-Mood System
The pet switches moods dynamically according to combined stats and virtual runtime conditions:
Hungry – Low stamina level
Cheerful – Balanced stats & sufficient daily interaction
Curious – Long active playtime without rest
Bored – Excessively long idle standby time
Unwell – Poor overall health & irregular care schedule
Excited / Calm – Comfortable balanced living conditions
Mood status directly affects:
Idle animation playback speed
RGB LED lighting sequences
Frequency of active exploration & resting demands
Complete Growth Evolution
Age is tracked precisely by minutes, hours and days, with four distinct life stages:
BABY → TEEN → ADULT → ELDER
Growth progression depends on three key factors:
Total device uptime
Average value of hunger, happiness and health
Stability of daily care rhythm
Advancing to a new life stage triggers exclusive sound effects and dedicated transition animations.
UI & Full Menu System
All screen content is rendered via 240×240 frame buffer (TFT_eSPI + TFT_eSprite) to eliminate screen flickering thoroughly.
Main Home Screen
Animated pet sprite (idle / playing / sleeping / special temporary states)
Custom background artwork
Visual progress bars: Hunger, Happiness, Health
Mood display + Current Growth Stage text
Top bar activity label: Idle / Playing… / Resting…
Overlay special visual effects for low-stamina reminders and other alerts
Menu Operation Rules
Navigate all interfaces via the 3 left-side buttons (UP / OK / DOWN).
Main Menu Catalogue:
Pet Status: View full statistics, mood, age, growth stage & detailed character description
Environment Overview: Check virtual day/night cycle & accumulated runtime data
System Info: Firmware version, total uptime, power status and device parameters
Controls Adjustment: Screen brightness, LED brightness, sound switch, pixel light on/off
Preference Settings: Auto-sleep timer, automatic data saving interval, soft system reset options
Diagnostic Page: Internal debug information & non-destructive function test modes
Return to Home Screen
All adjustments made in Controls & Settings are saved to NVS storage automatically, remaining effective after device reboot.
Hardware Architecture Overview
Below is the detailed hardware configuration of TamaFi V2; check PCB layout and schematic folders for complete technical documentation.
Core Mainboard
Main Controller: ESP32-S3 Wireless Microcontroller
Display: 1.3~1.54 inch ST7789 TFT Screen, 240×240 Resolution
Input: 6 tactile push buttons
Indicators: 4 individually addressable WS2812-2020 RGB LEDs
Sound Module: PWM-driven buzzer for retro chiptune sound effects
Power Supply Circuit
Charging Chip: TP4056 (compatible with single-cell lithium-ion / lithium-polymer batteries)
Screen Backlight Control: MOSFET switch with PWM adjustable brightness levels
Power Input: USB-C port integrated directly on the PCB board
Package Includes:
1 x Acrylic Housing
1 x Finished TamaFi Virtual Pet
This product does not include a battery. Customers can DIY a battery power supply on their own if needed.
Note:
- Due to the fact that the product is a personal handmade product with certain defects and updates.
- Disclaimers: for learning etc. Please do not use for illegal purposes.