Forget hacking - thanks to the Raspberry Pi, Flipper Zero can now play games on TV

Forget hacking - thanks to the Raspberry Pi, Flipper Zero can now play games on TV

Despite already being a fairly versatile little device, the Flipper Zero can now be equipped with a new video game module powered by a Raspberry Pi.

The Flipper Zero has gained notoriety for being exploited in a Bluetooth spam attack, but it is actually an open source multi-tool designed with security pentesters and geeks in mind. From copying and duplicating key fobs and garage door opener signals to changing TV channels, there was already a lot that could be done with Flipper Zero and a little time.

But now, thanks to a partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, even more features have been added, and if you're familiar with Flipper Devices' Wi-Fi Devboard for the Flipper Zero, you'll know that this new Video Game Module ( If you are familiar with Flipper Devices' Wi-Fi Devboard for the Flipper Zero, this new Video Game Module ($49, Fipper Devices) works in exactly the same way.

Whether you are thinking about buying a Flipper Zero for your own project or already have one and are interested in this new add-on, here is everything you need to know about the Video Game Module for Flipper Zero.

Like the Wi-Fi Devboard and other third-party accessories for the Flipper Zero, the new Video Game Module attaches to the top of the device. Fortunately, it can be used with or without the silicone case that protects the Flipper Zero.

Once connected, the Flipper Zero must be updated to the latest firmware in order for the Video Game Module to work. From there, you can connect the device to your TV or best monitor using an HDMI cable. There is also a GPIO breakout pin on the front of the video game module for connecting additional accessories.

In a blog post, Flipper Devices explains that the new module adds both video output and motion tracking. I personally played the game Air Arkanoid to test motion tracking, but Flipper Zero apps like Air Mouse can also take advantage of the module's built-in 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer.

The best thing about the new video game module, however, is that it does not require Flipper Zero to use it. The module works with the RP2040 microcontroller of the Raspberry Pi. This model number may not be familiar to you, but it is the same chip used in the Raspberry Pi Pico.

In fact, by using the GPIO pins on the front of the video game module and connecting it to your smartphone via the USB-C port, you can turn it into a simple digital oscilloscope for measuring changes in electrical signals. At the same time, Flipper Zero can run games and apps programmed in C, C++, and MicroPython, thanks to the additional processing power of the Raspberry Pi in the video game module.

In light of the news about Flipper Zero, this cute little multi-tool could be used for nefarious purposes, such as copying card keys to get into places you don't own or opening a Tesla's charging port. But as with all technology, good or evil, it is up to the device owner to decide how to use it.

Still, Flipper Zero was just banned in Canada this week, and now that this precedent has been set, similar bans may be enacted in the United States and other countries. But the release of this new video game module shows that, in the end, Flipper Zero is merely a tool, albeit a very useful one. [The Flipper Zero video game module will open up all kinds of new possibilities.

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