PiKart

A kart racer for the Pimoroni PicoSystem, in 16-bit style.

Eight animal drivers, twelve tracks, drift turbos and a handful of mean items. PiKart draws its pseudo-3D tracks the way the 16-bit consoles did and runs at 50 fps on the real device.

Features

• 8 drivers, each with their own top speed, acceleration, handling and weight
• 12 tracks: six layouts through meadow, forest and beach, each also in reverse
• Grand Prix: Acorn Cup and Mirror Cup, six races each, with points, three lives and an award ceremony
• Single races on any track in 50, 100 or 150cc
• Time trial against the ghost of your own record run
• Drift with mini-turbo, start boost, boost pads, sand traps and coins that raise your top speed
• Items: honey pot, pine cone, bumblebee, carrot and clover
• Seven computer opponents that brake, dodge and use their items on purpose
• Records, ghosts and trophies are saved on the device
• Driving assists for beginners: auto gas and steering assist

Drivers: Finn Fox, Frida Frog, Pia Penguin, Bruno Bear, Otto Otter, Hugo Hare, Luna Lynx and Emil Elk.

Tracks: Fox Den Ring, Coconut Bay, Bear Pass, Elk Forest, Otter Lagoon and Shell Reef, plus all six in reverse.

Requirements

You need a Pimoroni PicoSystem. The download is a .uf2 firmware file; it does not run on PC, Mac or phones.

Installation

1. Switch the PicoSystem off.
2. Hold X and switch it on. A drive called RPI-RP2 appears on your computer.
3. Copy pikart.uf2 onto that drive. The PicoSystem restarts into PiKart.

This replaces the game currently on your PicoSystem; flash its .uf2 the same way to go back. Records and trophies survive PiKart updates.

Controls

• A / B: gas / brake (B when stopped: reverse)
• Left / Right: steer
• Y: hop; hold Y and steer to drift, release once the sparks turn orange for a mini-turbo
• X: use item; Down + X throws backwards
• Up: minimap on/off

Credits

Original characters and tracks. Graphics generated with Higgsfield, programmed with Claude Code.