A tiny 3D-printed TV that looks like a cartoon prop from the 90s is drawing attention because it is more than decoration. The device can actually run NES games and play films on its small screen, turning a novelty build into a working retro entertainment machine.
The project started from a Cheap Yellow Display, or CYD, a low-cost ESP32-based module that already includes a screen. In DIY circles, CYD is known for being compact, affordable, and flexible enough for experiments ranging from smart home projects to other custom creations.
From display module to retro TV build
What makes this build stand out is how far it went beyond the original plan. It was first intended to be a retro TV-style case for the CYD, meant mainly for clips, films, and TV programs.
The finished version moved past that idea and became a small device that can also play NES games. That shift gave the project a dual role as both a media player and a retro game machine.
The creator behind the build is DynaMightTech. The result is a miniature television with a strong 90s cartoon feel, but with working hardware inside rather than a simple display prop.
Nostalgia on the outside, function on the inside
The body of the device was 3D printed and designed to evoke the look of a The Simpsons-style mini TV. That visual direction gives the project a strong nostalgic identity while keeping the build compact.
Its screen is small, but the device is still described as capable of playing a 90-minute film. It can also handle TV shows and other video content, which makes it more than a one-off novelty.
Adding NES support gives the project another layer of appeal. Instead of serving only as a passive media player, it becomes something users can interact with through classic games.
Why CYD fits projects like this
CYD has already gained attention among makers and modders because it bundles the screen and processing hardware into one small unit. That setup makes it easier to build custom devices without starting from scratch.
The module has also been used in other DIY ideas, including smart home projects and even experiments with distributed computing using three units at once. Its appeal comes from the balance of simplicity and adaptability.
For a project like this mini TV, that combination matters. With the core hardware already in place, the builder can focus on the casing, the look, and the user experience rather than building the electronics entirely by hand.
Open plans for other makers
The project is not kept as a closed showcase piece. Files and full instructions are available on the project’s Instructables page for anyone who wants to study or recreate it.
That documentation matters because builds like this often attract both viewers and other makers. The open guide makes it easier to see how the retro TV shell was designed and how the CYD was integrated inside it.
In the middle of a market full of uniform modern devices, this small build stands apart by combining playful design with real utility. It shows how a modest module like CYD can still support a project that feels nostalgic, functional, and genuinely entertaining.
Source: www.xda-developers.com
