One 8-bit enthusiast wants to make coding easy, fun and affordable with a new DIY handheld console that's small enough to fit in in your wallet.
Gamebuino is a €35, credit-card sized throwback with a twist: built using Arduino, this Gameboy-esque device allows the user to code on the go. Although it's designed for beginners to get started with minimal fuss, Gamebuino can also handle more complex, fully 8-bit projects. The limit is imposed by whoever's coding, as just one line is required for displaying an animated bitmap, bringing up a menu or keyboard, or playing music on four channels.
Extension ports embedded in the shell allow the user to add modules such as wireless connectivity and motion sensors or even connect up to 128 other Gamebuinos for multiplayer gaming. The software itself is read from an SD card, playfully rekindling the user with an old fashioned, cartridge-swapping experience.
The idea is ultimately to encourage creative coding within a community: there are tutorials available on an accompanying wiki and a forum for discussion and sharing. Because the device is open source, it's fully hackable and can be used as an interface for other electronic applications, for example, a remote control car or 3D printer.
Attempts at bringing novice-friendly customisable tech to the mainstream seem to be on the rise. DIY Gamer Kit also uses Arduino as the basis for a handheld homebrewed console, while Kano makes putting together and coding on a colourful Raspberry Pi PC easier than ever, complete with a novel Lego look.