OpenMote is an open-source programmable universal remote with infrared, Bluetooth, motion sensing and smart-home connectivity in a Nintendo Wiimote-compatible form factor.
OpenMote, developed by Hat & Hammer, is a programmable universal remote built around the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 and designed to fit inside a Nintendo Wii Remote shell. The device combines 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, infrared transmit and receive, a six-axis IMU and local smart-home control. It can operate without relying on cloud services and is designed for applications ranging from media control to home automation and gaming.
The ESP32-S3 provides a dual-core Tensilica LX7 processor running at up to 240MHz, with 512KB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM and 16MB flash. The remote has 12 buttons, of which 11 are programmable, while its button contacts are designed to work with the shell, membrane and buttons from a Wii Remote. A 940nm infrared emitter and 38kHz receiver allow OpenMote to learn commands from existing remotes and retransmit them without depending on an online IR-code database.
Motion and audio capabilities extend the controller beyond conventional remote functions. Its six-axis IMU supports wake-on-motion operation, while a mono speaker is driven by a MAX98357A 3.2W Class-D amplifier and a PDM MEMS microphone handles audio input. The board also includes a rumble motor, four status LEDs and a Qwiic/STEMMA QT I2C connector for connecting compatible expansion boards and accessories.
On the software side, OpenMote is intended to work locally with ESPHome and Home Assistant, allowing buttons and gestures to trigger lighting, room automation and media functions. Bluetooth HID support lets it operate as a gamepad or keyboard with PCs, Steam Decks and Android TV devices, while motion and button inputs can also be used with the Dolphin emulator. The device supports ESP-NOW peer-to-peer communication and direct Wi-Fi pairing with Apple Home and Amazon Alexa. Developers can program it using Arduino IDE, PlatformIO or ESP-IDF, while an OpenMote Studio application is being developed for configuration without coding.
The hardware uses a 1,200mAh Li-ion battery and charges through USB Type-C, which also provides programming and OpenMote Studio connectivity. Hat & Hammer plans to release the schematics, PCB layouts and firmware as open source before shipping. The project is currently being offered through crowdfunding in a fully assembled Ready To Go version priced at $99 and a $59 Mod Your Own PCB kit, with deliveries scheduled to begin in late February 2027.
