Snake Game on Arduino (8x8 LED Matrix)

A classic Snake Game implemented on Arduino with an 8x8 LED Matrix and Joystick — demonstrating real-time control, LED animation, and embedded game logic.

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Introduction

The Snake Game on Arduino is a fun and interactive project that brings a nostalgic game to life using embedded hardware.
It utilizes an 8x8 LED Matrix (MAX7219) for display and a joystick module for directional control.
Perfect for learning Arduino programming, LED matrix handling, and game logic in real-time systems.

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Building Instructions

Hardware Requirements

• Arduino

• 8x8 LED Matrix (MAX7219 or compatible)

• Joystick Module (or 4-direction buttons)

• Breadboard and jumper wires

  

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Software Setup

Installations

• Arduino IDE
• LedControl Library
  • Open Arduino IDE → Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries
  • Search for LedControl and install it
  • Or refer to your saved image:
    

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Circuit Connections

LED Matrix

Matrix Pin	Arduino Pin
VCC	5V
GND	GND
DIN	12
CLK	11
CS	10

Joystick

Joystick Pin	Arduino Pin
VRx	A0
VRy	A1
SW	2

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Game Logic

• The LED matrix displays the snake and food positions.
• The joystick controls movement (Up, Down, Left, Right).
• Eating food increases the snake’s length and places new food randomly.
• The game ends if the snake collides with itself or the boundary.

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Getting Started

1. Open snake.ino in Arduino IDE.
2. Select Tools → Board → Arduino.
3. Connect your Arduino via USB.
4. Upload the sketch to the board.
5. Once the LED matrix initializes, use the joystick to control your snake!

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Developer Instructions

• The project uses the LedControl library to drive the 8x8 LED Matrix.
• Joystick readings are taken via analog pins A0 and A1, and digital pin 2 for the switch.
• Modify variables in the code to change:
  • Snake speed or delay time
  • Matrix update rate
  • Game difficulty levels

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Contribution Guidelines

You can also make a contribution by: -Aiding animations or game feedback (e.g., blink/game over motifs)

• Documentation for novices, written
• Defining a modular framework on reusability

You can open a pull request on this repo or contact MARS' senior!

Enjoy building and playing your own Snake Game on Arduino!