History of video games/Platforms/Kitronik GameZip 64
-
A Kitronik GameZip 64.
.png)
History
[edit | edit source]Launch
[edit | edit source]The Kitronik Game Zip 64 is a handheld gaming device released around 2018 as an add on to the educational BBC MicroBit computer.[1]
A 10 pack kit of the console and accessories was made for classroom use.[2] A more compact and cost reduced version of the console without a built in LED matrix display was also made.[3]
Legacy
[edit | edit source]Many of the design decisions used on the Game Zip 64 would be reused by the later Kitronik Arcade handheld, released on October 30th, 2019.[4]
Technology
[edit | edit source]BBC Micro Bit
[edit | edit source]The console is compatible both versions one or two of the BBC MicroBit.[5] The Microbit effectively acts as both the storage medium and the computer, similar too many second generation home game consoles, though unlike those consoles, the Microbit can be reprogrammed.
Hardware
[edit | edit source]The console contains its own multicolor 64 LED display, which is arranged in an matrix 8 LEDs wide by 8 LEDs high.[5] Because the Micro Bit also has it's own LED matrix, the microbit effectively acts as a secondary display,[1] similar to the Nintendo DS line of handhelds.
The 3 AA batteries also act as grips for holding the console.[6][7]
The console was manufactured in the United Kingdom.[5]
Case Colors
[edit | edit source]Several optional laser cut perspex covers were manufactured in the United Kingdom for use with the system.[8][9][10][11] These came in at least four styles.
Gallery
[edit | edit source]-
The Kitronik GameZip 64 without a BBC Micro installed. -
Joypad detail. -
A round buzzer is used to create simple sounds. -
Haptic feedback is created by a motor spinning an intentionally unbalanced weight. -
The console rear, with 3 AA batteries installed. -
Expansion pins are included on the board. -
A BBC Micro Bit.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
External Resources
[edit | edit source]
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ a b ":GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit - Kitronik".
- ↑ "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit Classroom Pack". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ "Kitronik :GAME Controller for micro:bit". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ "ARCADE for MakeCode Arcade Quick Overview". Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ a b c "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ Price, Chris (22 January 2018). "Kitronik's :GAME ZIP 64 allows gamers to code retro games like Snake and Pong!". Tech Digest. https://www.techdigest.tv/2018/01/kitroniks-game-zip-64-allows-gamers-to-code-retro-games-like-snake-and-pong.html.
- ↑ Atwell, Cabe (March 26th, 2019). "Top Accessories and Add-Ons for the BBC Micro:Bit Microcontroller". https://www.eetimes.com/top-accessories-and-add-ons-for-the-bbc-microbit-microcontroller/.
- ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Clear". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Orange". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Blue". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Green". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.