ARCADE - retro console for micro:bit

Description

Kitronik ARCADE is a retro gaming platform that allows users to utilize the BBC micro:bit and the MakeCode Arcade editor. It enables users to write their own games and run them on the ARCADE device or download existing ones. The MakeCode Arcade editor is an excellent way to learn game coding. It offers a simple block-based design that allows users to build basic games in just a few minutes. The editor is designed so that anyone, from beginners to experienced gaming enthusiasts, can create games to run in a browser or on portable consoles. It consists of blocks that can be dragged and connected to create programs. You can also write code in JavaScript and Python.

The console is equipped with a 4-directional D-pad, 2 interactive action buttons for programming, a menu button, a full-color 1.77-inch screen, and 5 croc-clippable connectors for attaching additional switches and devices, including 3 BBC micro:bit pins (P0, P1, and P2), as well as a power and ground pin. Audio is delivered through the built-in speaker on the BBC micro:bit board. The Kitronik ARCADE is powered by 3 AA batteries located in the battery holder on the back of the PCB. The battery holder also serves as an ergonomic grip, making it comfortable to use. The board supplies power to the connected micro:bit through the edge connector, eliminating the need for separate power for the module. The ARCADE features a built-in power switch, but it can also be turned off simply by removing or inserting the micro:bit into the edge connector. A green power LED lights up when the board is powered, turned on, and has a micro:bit inserted.

The educational nature of MakeCode Arcade is emphasized by the availability of numerous resources on the MakeCode Arcade website, which make working with it easier. Users can find step-by-step guides for creating simple games, more complex games for learning, games written by community members that can be analyzed, tutorials on game concepts, tutorials exploring graphics and math, lesson plans, computer science courses, printable coding cards for the classroom, and instructional videos.

Features

• Handy gamepad for BBC micro:bit V2
• Color LCD screen with a diagonal of 1.77 inches
• 6 game buttons, a menu button, and a power switch
• Ability to write your own games or download games from the MakeCode Arcade website
• A rich resource of educational materials for creating games from scratch or modifying existing code
• Exposed pins 0, 1, 2, 3V, GND from the micro:bit edge to pads for croc-clip connections beneath the screen
• Powered by 3 AA batteries
• Dimensions: 150 x 65 x 22 mm

Kit contains

• Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade gamepad
• Laser-cut protective case parts and mounts