For fans of Pokémon and DIY electronics, Kiara from Kiara's Workshop has created something that bridges nostalgia and maker ingenuity: functional Pokéballs that light up, open, and even simulate throwing mechanics. Taking feedback from her earlier design, she improved durability with reinforced resin lids, repositioned the button for better accessibility, and integrated a compact DFPlayer Mini module for sound effects. The electronics were redesigned to reduce wiring clutter, and the outer shell was meticulously painted with custom colours and a mix of matte and gloss finishes for an authentic look. Check out the full build process on Kiara’s YouTube Video.
The Pokéballs feature an interactive “throw mode,” locking the lid with a servo for 4.5 seconds to prevent accidental openings mid-air. After the throw, a randomized sequence determines whether the catch succeeds, mirroring the mechanics of the games. Challenges included sourcing reliable components, with cheap servo motors and DFPlayer clones causing delays and failures during testing. Despite these hurdles, Kiara’s project demonstrates thoughtful design choices and problem-solving skills that many DIY enthusiasts will appreciate.
Though the servos struggled under impact during rigorous tests, the resin shells remained intact, proving their durability. Kiara plans to refine her design further, potentially exploring stronger metal-geared servos for future iterations. Even with minor setbacks, this project showcases the fun and creativity of blending electronics, mechanics, and fandom into a build that’s as satisfying to create as it is to use.
