One Setup, Endless Ideas: 4 LEDs and 4 Buttons

Introduction

We're diving into the world of electronics through a simple yet powerful concept: starting from a single, easy-to-build circuit, we'll create a series of fun, practical, and beginner-friendly projects you can try at home.

🛠️ At the heart of this initiative is the Arduino development board, paired with just a handful of components:

• 🔴🟡🟢🔵 4 LEDs in different colors — red, yellow, green, and blue

• 🔘🔘🔘🔘 4 push buttons (momentary switches, normally open) — each linked to a corresponding LED

• 📟 A seven-segment display — to show scores, timers, or other useful info

• 🔊 A buzzer or speaker — for sound effects, music, or audio cues

With this setup — four buttons, four LEDs, a seven-segment display, a buzzer, and of course, the Arduino board — we’ll build a variety of interactive games designed to challenge core player skills: reaction speed, attention to detail, and memory.

Each game will focus on a specific skill. For example, in fast reflex games, the player must quickly press the button that matches the LED that lights up. The system will track the score on the display and give instant audio feedback through the buzzer. In memory-based games, color sequences will grow progressively more complex, and the player must repeat them exactly. Attention-focused games will introduce unpredictable button behavior — one LED might flash rapidly, another might stay lit longer — and the player will need to recognize and respond to these patterns.

One Circuit, Many Possibilities

This single, versatile circuit is the foundation for a whole world of creative projects.

Materials Needed

• Arduino Uno or a compatible equivalent board

• 4 LEDs (preferably 5mm) in different colors: red, yellow, green, and blue

• 4 momentary push buttons (normally open) that can be mounted on a breadboard

• 1 four-digit, seven-segment display controlled by a TM1637 driver chip

• a speaker for sound feedback

• 1 large breadboard (830 tie-points recommended)

• Jumper wires for all necessary connections

Installing Components on the Breadboard

🎮 Game List:

1. Repeat After Me

A fresh Arduino twist on the classic Simon Says, this game blends nostalgia with hands-on learning. Lights, sounds, and sequential logic come together to create an interactive experience that boosts memory and sparks creativity.

2. Repeat After Me: Reverse Mode

An advanced take on Follow Me, this version challenges players to reproduce audiovisual sequences — but in reverse order. It’s a powerful workout for memory and a fun way to explore cognitive skills through engaging gameplay.

3.Click Master

Test your reflexes in the most intense split-second challenge! Hit the button at just the right moment and win with precision. Jump in and see how sharp your reaction time really is.

4. Mole Patrol

Where adrenaline meets electronics: this lightning-fast reflex game features flashing lights, teasing buttons, and an Arduino microcontroller that brings it all to life in a vibrant mix of sound and color.

5. Quick Tap

Face off against your own reflexes in the Speed Test — an LED-powered challenge that turns milliseconds into a thrilling spectacle. Think fast, act faster!

6. Light Speed Challenge

Ready to push your reaction time to the limit? In LED Race, lights flash rapidly, the buzzer pulses, and you’ve got just a fraction of a second to make the right move. With each level, the pace picks up. Step into the game — the challenge awaits!

7. Color Clash

Dominant Color puts your attention to the test with colorful LEDs, smart button interactions, and audio cues. A perfect pick for Arduino enthusiasts and STEM fans alike. Discover how a simple color choice becomes an unforgettable game.

For those who’ve enjoyed every step of the project, designing a custom enclosure is a creative way to turn basic protection into a standout design feature. Want to learn more? Check out the link.