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Gamebuino Arduino Game Console

Posted: April 10, 2014
$50
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Gamebuino. It's like Gameboy & Arduino's bambino. And it really is Aurelien Rodot's bambino. He came up with the idea for Gamebuino shortly after putting together a "quick and dirty" handheld console one weekend last year. People--a lot of them--wanted Rodot to tell them how to make their own. So he did. But when the DIYers began having problems and questions--a lot of them--Rodot decided to fashion a device that would keep things simple, and enable nearly instant 8-bit game development, even for those with little programming knowledge. In the crowdfunding stage on Indiegogo at printing, Gamebuino the Arduino is his result.

Gamebuino is designed first for quick and straightforward game creation. However, once programmers get comfortable, or for those who have more experience to begin with, the Arduino-based console can support the coding of fully-featured 8-bit games, plus "other badass projects" too. It's shipped ready to run, and with a library of tools to assist in game development. The Gamebuino also has extension ports for the addition of modules such as an accelerometer or wireless communications for advanced users and customization. The ports allow Gamebuino-to-Gamebuino connections for multiplayer gaming as well.

Gamebuino will be a completely open-source platform, and its Website/community available with tutorials and a forum to share ideas and find help. In addition to gaming pursuits, the console can serve as an interface for any electronic system, such as a controller, a monitor, or a data logger. Specs are as follows:

  • CPU: atmega328 @ 16Mhz (like an Arduino Uno)
  • Display: 84*48px monochrome (like the nokia 3310) + auto backlight
  • Sound: magnetic speaker, 4 channels
  • Input: Arrows + A B C buttons
  • Communication: 1 x micro USB, 1 x micro SD card, 2 x I2C
  • Battery: 24h life, 240mAh LiPo battery, charged through USB
  • Dimensions: about the size of a credit card at 3.5" x 1.8" x 0.5"

Pledge for a Gamebuino on Indiegogo through April 28, 2014, and check the Gamebuino Website for updates and purchases thereafter.

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