The Arduboy is a handheld game console with open source software, based on the Arduino hardware platform.
 Arduboy in the front and back | |
| Also known as | Bateske Arduboy, Arduboy FX |
|---|---|
| Developer | Kevin Bates |
| Type | Handheld video game console |
| Introductory price | $29 (Arduboy) $54 (Arduboy FX) |
| Media | Digital distribution |
| CPU | ATMega32u4 |
| Memory | 2.5 KB |
| Storage | 32 KB (Arduboy) |
| Display | 1.3" 128x64px 1-bit OLED |
| Sound | Stereo piezo speakers |
| Connectivity | microUSB |
| Power | Rechargeable 180mAh battery |
| Platform | Arduino |
| Marketing target | DIY, education, programming |
| Successor | Arduboy FX |
| Website | arduboy |
| Language | C, C++ |
History
editDevelopment
editThe 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, an american Arduino enthusiast, 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 a smaller formfactor than the Arduboy Mini.[7]
Consumer versions
editA 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
edit
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
editThe 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
edit- ^ Liszewski, Andrew (March 3, 2014), "Make an Awesome First Impression With a Tetris-Playing Business Card", Gizmodo.
- ^ Frauenfelder, Mark (March 3, 2014), "Arduboy: tiny Arduino-based video game player", Boing Boing.
- ^ "Experience dysentery on an Arduino-powered 'Gameboy'". Engadget. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b c d "A Tiny Video Game-Playing Business Card You Can Smuggle In Your Wallet". Gizmodo. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Arduboy Mini Is a Tiny Handheld Game Console". PCMAG. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ "You'll Need a Microscope to Play This Inch-Tall Game Boy Clone". Gizmodo. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ "Business Card Plays Tetris, Might Be for Sale Soon". Time. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ Khan, Imad (May 14, 2015), "You can now order a Game Boy the size of a credit card", The Daily Dot
- ^ a b "Arduboy is a credit card-size gaming backup for your iPhone". www.cultofmac.com. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ Lynch, Alison (20 May 2015). "You can now get a Game Boy the size of a credit card". Metro. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ Solon, Olivia (15 May 2015). "Arduboy is a 'Game Boy' the size of a credit card". mirror. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "The Arduboy FX is no quirky Playdate, but it's still adorably dope". Input. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ Liszewski, Andrew (April 13, 2017), "Playing Tetris on a Business Card Is Everything I Hoped It Would Be", Gizmodo
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c "Its Time To Upgrade To Arduboy FX RetroTech Gaming Console". Electronics-Lab.com. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ a b "Arduboy: a credit card size game system with 8-bit look & feel!". Elektor. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ "This tiny gaming device lets you play and code". GeekWire. 2015-05-11. Retrieved 2022-05-15.