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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Update PicoGamer/GameMite with V6.04
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PilotPirx Senior Member  Joined: 03/11/2020 Location: GermanyPosts: 141 |
New games for MMBasic are not always compatible with the UF2 MMBasic releases for PicoGamer and GameMite(5.08 for Game*Mite). It doesn't look like there are any new UF2 images for the handhelds on the horizon right now. How do I manually update to the new version, V6.04, so that the GameMite still works? Will the games from the UF2 image still run? I'm guessing I'll have to back up the settings/options via the terminal and copy the data from drive A: to B: to save them. How compatible is the GameMite with the PicoGamer, anyway? Greetings, Peter |
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Mixtel90 Guru  Joined: 05/10/2019 Location: United KingdomPosts: 9137 |
I'm not sure that there is any compatibility between the GameMite with the PicoGamer at all. The two systems were developed independently of each other AFAIK. I don't have a PicoGamer so I can't test. Mick Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini |
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Volhout Guru Joined: 05/03/2018 Location: NetherlandsPosts: 6126 |
All, Pico Gamer and Game*Mite are 99% compatible. The only difference is that Pico Gamer uses 4MB/16MB flash and Game*Mite has 2MB (RP2040 pico 1). All programs from Pico Gamer run on Game*Mite. All games from Game*Mite run on Pico Gamer. Both platforms are released with MMBasic V5.8.0 Pico Gamer : Geoff only released 2 uf2 images to program the pico (4MB and 16MB). Game*Mite : Tom released 1 uf2 image (2MB) and a set of tools (install-a.bas) to create a Game*Mite with 'any' MMBasic version. This tool was adapted and used by me to create a new Game*Mite uf2 image based on MMBasic 6.3.0. Together with 'patched' games and new games. The games needed patching since there are significant differences between MMBasic 5.8.0 and MMBasic 6.3.0 (and now 6.4.0). The MMbasic 6.3.0 uf2 file for Game*Mite is a fusion of Pico Gamer and Game*Mite (it uses Geoff's menu system, but still has Tom's file browser and an app). Also important to note is that Peter created a RP2040MIN version of MMBasic, that has roughly 200kbyte larger A:/ drive, so more games can be stored. At cost of loosing several software functions (turtle/structs/GUI/etc..). These where not used by classic Game*Mite games anyway. This RP2040MIN version was the basis for the Game*Mite 60300 uf2 file. Volhout P.S. There are few Game*Mite's equipped with pico2 (RP2350) boards. There is also a uf2 file for these with MMbasic 6.3.0. To my knowledge there is no Pico Gamer with RP2350 board. P.P.S. I think you can use Tom's install-a.bas to create your own Pico Gamer with MMBasic 6.4.0. If I had a 2040 board with 4MB and 16MB flash, I could do it for you. It is relatively easy. Edited 2026-09-22 19:06 by Volhout PicomiteVGA PETSCII ROBOTS |
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| PilotPirx Senior Member Joined: 03/11/2020 Location: GermanyPosts: 141 |
@Volhout OK, so as I understand it, “install-a.bas” formats the A: drive. Where do I need to run it from? Do I have to copy the games from “A:/GameMite” there myself? Would the UF2 file for the PicoGamer be the PicoMiteRP2040MINV6.04.00RC0.uf2? I admit I’m a little confused... MMBasic has gotten pretty complex by now. Where can we get your 'patched' games? Edited 2026-09-22 20:02 by PilotPirx |
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| Volhout Guru Joined: 05/03/2018 Location: NetherlandsPosts: 6126 |
Hi PilotPirx, I will be able to access my Game*Mite thursday evening, and I will zip up the install files, and write a short instruction. But in essence : you need an SD card with folder "GameMite" and inside it all the games and associated files (as if they where on the A:/ drive). The patched games that is. inside that folder the "install-a.bas" is added, and the menu called "startup.bas". You connect the Pico Gamer to a PC with boot button pressed. Install the MMbasic (2040MIN) image. Then (after reset) connect through terminal(*), type OPTION RESET GAMEMITE. After reboot, connect through terminal, go to SD card (B:/GameMite/) and type: RUN "install-a.bas" It will copy the content of B:/GameMite to the newly made A:/GameMite Then (still in folder B:/GameMite/) manually type: LOAD "startup.bas" FLASH SAVE 1 OPTION AUTORUN 1,noreset. Done... Reboot(reset), and the PicoGamer/GameMite menu will show, and allow you to play. Volhout (*) terminal = PC program "TeraTerm". P.S. the "uf2" file is a flash image for the pico. MMBasic 6.04.00 is supplied as a flash image that contains MMBasic, and an empty A:/ drive. The complete Pico Gamer flash can also be supplied as a "uf2" file, consisting of MMBasic plus a full A:/ drive, menu, configured options. And that complete uf2 file does not exist yet. You can only program MMBasic 60400, and then manually configure the hardware to become a Pico Gamer. (unless Geoff supplies a Pico Gamer uf2 file that has it all). Above text is the manual method for converting a MMBasic pico to PicoGamer/Game*Mite. P.P.S. Despite the fact that Geoff did not respond, I think he intends to wait until the picomite storm has settled before releasing a new uf2, since almost daily changes to picomite MMbasic are comming. Mind that before releasing a uf2, all content has to be tested (just play all games to the end....). Especially since it is a Silicon Chips published design. And with every new change in MMBasic, a re-test is needed. Edited 2026-09-22 21:33 by Volhout PicomiteVGA PETSCII ROBOTS |
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| PilotPirx Senior Member Joined: 03/11/2020 Location: GermanyPosts: 141 |
Wow, that's really helpful of you. With these great instructions, I'm sure I'll be able to figure it out. I'm always amazed at how knowledgeable and helpful the members of this forum are. As soon as I have access to my device (probably not until the end of the week), I'll give it a try. Thank you very much, Volhout |
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