@teastain Yes, using I2C splitter is a practical solution for using I2C devices with same address. I use it often.
Yet the "Write" ability caught my attention, since it is saving the need for the splitter.

I will try approaching the customer service.

@teastain Thank you! Exactly what I needed to know.

Another thing that bothers me: When looking at the I2C protocol in the documentation, it states the "I2C address" is RW (read write).

1. I assume the Write part is in order to change the address - probably in order to include 2 joysticks at same time. Is this command stored on a non volatile memory? Or is it needed to be executed every power up?
2. if 2 joysticks are connected in parallel, how is it possible to direct the command from the master to a specific one?

Of course, if the answer to 1 is yes, this can be easily done with step by step.
(or if there are jumpers on board the joystick).

Is there an example how to connect the new joystick (I assumd i2c only) to esp32? How to access the joystick status? Also, is it delivered with firmware installed?

Thanks for the fast and good answers! Few clarifications:

@teastain said in M5Dial - questions before buying:

2- Can I utilize ESPnow? I can give up WiFi as I think they can't work together.
-ESP-NOW works great and my projects are one-or-the-other, but with some tricky control they can share the WiFi band.
[Yigal] Very good. ESPnow is exactly what I need. I don't want/need to rely on WiFi.

3- Can I use both cores of the ESP32?
-Yes in FreeRTOS.
[Yigal] Are you sure FreeRTOS is required? So far both cores are working well for me without FreeRTOS. One core is for endless sensors reading, while the other core is ready for ESPnow communication handling. I assume I can keep on the same way, unless I miss something.

4- Only 2 IOs and I2C is available for external applications, correct?
-Correct, both 'ports' have identical usability I2C and or GPIO
5- Are the 2 GPIOs fully in & out? no restrictions?
-Essentially they are 4 ESP32 GPIO
[Yigal] Understood. 4 GPIOs are available (or 2 with I2C which is about the same).
Which GPIOs are these? I just wanted to make sure these are not the limited ones.

Hello
I am using ESP32 dev boards for a while, so the M5Dial looks like a great product for my projects. I have some concerns which I want to consult with the forum about, as I am not sure what features are used and blocked for the M5Dial needs.
1- Can I program and upload the product from VisualStudioCode (VScode)?
2- Can I utilize ESPnow? I can give up WiFi as I think they can't work together.
3- Can I use both cores of the ESP32?
4- Only 2 IOs and I2C is available for external applications, correct?
5- Are the 2 GPIOs fully in & out? no restrictions?

Thank you
Yigal