A pocket-sized ESP32 project is turning a simple idea into a surprisingly versatile gadget: an offline fortune cookie that also works as a digital dice roller and coin flipper. Built around the eFortune Cookie concept, the device keeps its appeal in how compact it is and how approachable the assembly process can be for beginners.
The project was shared on Instructables by tinkerer gokux, and it combines a XIAO ESP32S3 Plus with a XIAO ePaper Display Board. A 3D-printed case completes the build, giving the finished device a tidy and portable look rather than the feel of a rough prototype.
Offline fortune, stored inside the device
The main attraction is its ability to show preloaded fortunes without needing an internet connection. That makes the gadget stand out in a category where many small connected devices rely on cloud services or companion apps to do simple tasks.
Because the fortunes are already stored on the device, the experience stays self-contained. Users can pick it up and get a result immediately, which keeps the project practical for everyday use as well as novelty.
More than a novelty item
The eFortune Cookie does not stop at fortune-telling. It also includes two extra functions for quick decisions and light entertainment: a digital dice roller and a digital coin flipper.
Those options are selected using a button on the side of the device, and the result appears after the unit is shaken. That small motion-based interaction gives the project a more playful feel than a standard push-button gadget.
The added features also make the device useful in situations beyond a quick fortune. It can serve as a simple decision-making tool or as a helper for games such as D&D.
A practical entry point into ESP32 and ePaper
Part of the appeal comes from the hardware choice. ESP32 boards are widely used in DIY electronics because they are flexible and popular among makers, while ePaper displays fit short text-based outputs such as fortunes, dice results, and coin flips.
This combination gives beginners a compact but real-world project to build around. It introduces both ESP32 development and ePaper display use without requiring a large setup or a complex system.
The build still calls for careful soldering, but it is presented as a manageable project rather than an intimidating one. That makes it a reasonable step for hobbyists who want to move beyond basic electronics projects.
Documentation makes replication easier
The value of the project is not limited to the finished gadget. The Instructables page includes a full parts list, wiring diagrams, 3D-print files, and code needed to run the device’s functions.
That level of documentation makes the project easier to replicate from scratch. It also means the build is not just something to admire on a page, but something that can be followed by someone who wants to recreate the same device.
The fortune content is also customizable. Users can replace the built-in fortunes with their own text, which gives the project a more personal character than a fixed, one-purpose gadget.
Small build, broad appeal
The final result brings together a compact form, useful functions, and a polished enclosure. The 3D-printed casing helps the device look clean and finished, which adds to its appeal in the DIY community.
With the XIAO ESP32S3 Plus, the XIAO ePaper Display Board, the printed case, and the detailed build guide, eFortune Cookie offers a small project that still feels complete. It can deliver an offline fortune, roll a digital die, or flip a digital coin, all from a device that is easy to carry and simple to understand.
Source: www.xda-developers.com