Colossal Connect Four

Overview

Built as an exhibit for Detroit Maker Faire with a deliberate point to make: not every great project needs electronics. The goal was something immediately recognizable, genuinely fun, and simple enough for a 6-year-old to play independently.

Construction

Each disc was cut from 2-inch foam insulation board. A 10-penny nail was embedded in the center of each disc, providing a reliable magnetic target. Players use a long stick with a strong magnet at the end to pick up a disc and slide it into a slot — no reaching, no fumbling, and a satisfying click when the magnet grabs.

The frame holds the grid upright and allows discs to stack in each column just like the original game.