Arduboy
Arduboy front back.jpg
Arduboy in the front and back.
Also known asBateske Arduboy, Arduboy FX
DeveloperKevin Bates
TypeHandheld video game console
Introductory price$29 (Arduboy)
$54 (Arduboy FX)
Mediadigital distribution
CPUATMega32u4
Memory2.5 KB
Storage32 KB (Arduboy)
Display1.3" 128x64px 1-bit OLED
SoundStereo Piezo Speakers
ConnectivitymicroUSB
Powerrechargeable 180mAh battery
PlatformArduino
Marketing targetDIY, Education, Programming
SuccessorArduboy FX
Websitearduboy.com
LanguageC, C++

The Arduboy is a handheld game console with open source software, based on the Arduino hardware platform.

History

Development

The original version of the Arduboy was 1.6 millimetres (0.063 in) thick, with the height and width of a credit card, and was initially designed by Kevin Bates as an electronic business card.[1][2]

In preparation for a consumer version, the developer moved to Shenzhen, China to work on the Arduboy at the HAX accelerator.[3][4][5]

Later consumer versions replaced the first version's touch-sensitive panels by physical buttons, and include a protective plastic case, raising the thickness to 5 millimetres (0.20 in).

A non-production smaller formfactor "Arduboy Mini" was demonstrated in 2019.[6] Another non-production system, the "Arduboy Nano" was demonstrated in 2021 with an smaller formfactor than the Arduboy Mini.[7]

Consumer versions

A Kickstarter campaign was being planned in 2014.[8] Development was funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015.[9][10] The launch price of the original Arduboy was either $29[5] or $39.[11][12]

In August 2020, Arduboy announced 'Arduboy FX', an upgraded version that includes a flash memory chip that stores over 250 games on the device itself. This version shipped around 2021 at a price of $54.[13]

Tetris Microcard

Arduboy-based Tetris MicroCard
Arduboy-based Tetris MicroCard

As well as the open-source Arduboy itself, a single-game version featuring an officially licensed (non-open) version of Tetris is also available.[14]

Hardware

The Arduboy is open source.[6]

The compute platform of the Arduboy is based on that of the Arduino.[15] Both the Arduboy and the Arduboy FX use an 8-bit ATMega32u4 microcontroller as the primary processor, RAM, and storage device of the system.[16][13] The system ships with 2.5 kilobytes of RAM.[15]

The Arduboy has 32 kilobytes of flash storage,[15] as well as 1 kilobyte of EEPROM.[16] The Arduboy FX features additional storage through the use of an official modchip, installed either from the factory or aftermarket.[13][16]

The system uses an 1.3 inches (33 mm)[15] 128x64px 1-bit OLED display.[10][13]

Audio is handled by stereo Piezoelectric speakers.[5][15]

The system is powered for about 5-8 hours on a rechargeable thin film lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 180 mAh.[13][15][17] The system has a microUSB connector.[5] The console can also be used as a simple controller or input device for other systems.[18]

Casing is made from both aluminum and polycarbonate.[17]

References

  1. ^ Liszewski, Andrew (March 3, 2014), "Make an Awesome First Impression With a Tetris-Playing Business Card", Gizmodo.
  2. ^ Frauenfelder, Mark (March 3, 2014), "Arduboy: tiny Arduino-based video game player", Boing Boing.
  3. ^ "Experience dysentery on an Arduino-powered 'Gameboy'". Engadget. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Technological Innovation in Health Tech, Robotics and Smart Sensors Take Stage at HAX's Sixth Demo Day". www.businesswire.com. 12 May 2015. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d "A Tiny Video Game-Playing Business Card You Can Smuggle In Your Wallet". Gizmodo. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Arduboy Mini Is a Tiny Handheld Game Console". PCMAG. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  7. ^ "You'll Need a Microscope to Play This Inch-Tall Game Boy Clone". Gizmodo. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Business Card Plays Tetris, Might Be for Sale Soon". Time. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  9. ^ Khan, Imad (May 14, 2015), "You can now order a Game Boy the size of a credit card", The Daily Dot
  10. ^ a b "Arduboy is a credit card-size gaming backup for your iPhone". www.cultofmac.com. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  11. ^ Lynch, Alison (20 May 2015). "You can now get a Game Boy the size of a credit card". Metro. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  12. ^ Solon, Olivia (15 May 2015). "Arduboy is a 'Game Boy' the size of a credit card". mirror. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  13. ^ a b c d e "The Arduboy FX is no quirky Playdate, but it's still adorably dope". Input. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  14. ^ Liszewski, Andrew (April 13, 2017), "Playing Tetris on a Business Card Is Everything I Hoped It Would Be", Gizmodo
  15. ^ a b c d e f Kastrenakes, Jacob (19 May 2016). "This tiny, open-source Game Boy lookalike has started shipping". The Verge. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  16. ^ a b c "Its Time To Upgrade To Arduboy FX RetroTech Gaming Console". Electronics-Lab.com. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  17. ^ a b "Arduboy: a credit card size game system with 8-bit look & feel!". Elektor. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  18. ^ "This tiny gaming device lets you play and code". GeekWire. 2015-05-11. Retrieved 2022-05-15.

External links

Handheld game consoles
Categories