Button Clash: A Rapid-Response Game using the Arduino Plug and Make Kit

Original Project by: jcarolinares on Arduino Project Hub.

Overview

Button Clash is an interactive two-player game that challenges participants to press their respective buttons faster than their opponent. Designed using the Arduino Plug and Make kit (287-7567) , this project offers an engaging way to introduce learners to electronics and coding.​

Components Needed 

• Arduino Plug and Make Kit (287-7567) .
• Two 100mm illuminated arcade buttons (e.g., EG Starts).
• Electrical cables.
• Optional: Cardboard box for housing​.

Tools Required

• Soldering kit.
• Basic tools: pliers, screwdrivers, etc.​

Software

• Arduino IDE 2.0
• Arduino Cloud Editor​

Project Description

The game operates by detecting which player presses their button first, triggering a visual response through the illuminated buttons. This simple yet effective setup provides immediate feedback and fosters a competitive learning environment.​

Educational Value

By using the Arduino Plug and Make Kit to build Button Clash serves as an excellent introduction to:​

• Basic circuitry and hardware integration.
• Programming fundamentals using Arduino.
• Interactive design and user feedback mechanisms​.

This project embodies the principles STEM education and hands-on learning. 

1. Getting Started

Gather the parts needed from the Plug and Make Kit:

• 1x Arduino UNO R4 Wi-Fi
• 1x Modulino Base Board
• 1x Modulino Buzzer
• 1x Modulino Buttons
• 2x Qwiic Cables
• M3 or M2.5 Screws and Nuts

2. Assembling the Game

• Attach your Arduino UNO R4 Wi-Fi to the Modulino Base Board using M3 screws:

• Attach a Modulino Buzzer to your base plate near the Arduino UNO R4 board and the Modulino Buttons near the bottom part of the Modulino Base Board:

• Connect the Modulinos together using the Qwiic cables:

• Connect your arcade buttons using unifilar cables to the Arduino UNO pins:

• See the connection diagram below for further details on how to attach your arcade buttons, you will need to solder, or attach using tape, your unifilar cables to the arcade buttons' contacts:

• Your game is now assembled and ready to upload the program:

• Head over to the GitHub project page and download the Arduino sketch. Plug your Arduino UNO R4 WiFi into your computer, open the sketch in the Arduino IDE, and upload it to your board:

• That's It! You're ready to play! Two players press the buttons; the system will indicate the winner through the illuminated buttons.​

Ideas for Expansion

The Arduino Plug and Make Kit (287-7567) empowers learners to turn their ideas into reality—and the Button Clash game is just the beginning. You can take it further by 3D printing a custom housing instead of using a cardboard box, adding an LCD display to show scores, or even introducing more players using extra Modulino Buttons if you have more than one kit.

The Button Clash game was built using a cardboard box, but why stop there?

Summary

The Plug and Make Kit (287-7567) is an excellent piece of STEM equipment, designed to make learning electronics and coding both fun and accessible. With ready-to-go modules and a variety of projects straight out of the box, it’s perfect for classrooms, workshops, or anyone starting their journey into hands-on tech and creative problem-solving.

We encourage you to modify and enhance the Button Clash game. Share your iterations with the DesignSpark community to inspire others and contribute to collective learning.​

Would you like to know how to introduce STEM technology to your school? Our expert team is here to help. Get in touch today.

Acknowledgements

This project is adapted from the original by jcarolinares on Arduino Project Hub. Thanks for sharing such a fun and approachable project!

Resources

• Arduino Plug and Make Kit (287-7567)
• GitHub repository for the Button Clash game
• Original project on Arduino Project Hub
• Arduino IDE
• Arduino Cloud