Arduboy
Handheld video game console
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Arduboy is a handheld game console with open source software, based on the Arduino hardware platform.
$54 (Arduboy FX)
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
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, an American Arduino enthusiast, as an electronic business card.[1][2]
In preparation for a consumer version, the developer moved to Shenzhen to work on the Arduboy at the HAX accelerator.[3][4][5]
Later consumer versions replaced the first version's touch-sensitive panels with physical buttons, and include a protective plastic case, raising the thickness to 5 millimetres (0.20 in).
A non-production smaller form factor "Arduboy Mini" was demonstrated in 2019.[6] Another non-production system, the "Arduboy Nano" was demonstrated in 2021 with a smaller form factor 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
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 hardware.[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 kilobytes 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 a 1-bit 1.3 inches (33 mm)[15] 128x64px OLED display.[10][13]
Audio is handled by stereophonic 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 aluminium and polycarbonate.[17]