Kitronik ARCADE for MakeCode Arcade Editor

Develop your programming skills with Kitronik ARCADE, a full-featured programmable gamepad for use with the MakeCode Arcade block editor.

The MakeCode Arcade editorhas been designed so that anyone, from beginners to experienced game enthusiasts, can create retro arcade games that run in the browser or on handheld consoles. It consists of drag-and-drop blocks that are assembled into programs. You can also write your code in Javascript and Python! Kitronik ARCADE is a handheld gaming platform designed specifically for use with the MakeCode Arcade Editor. Either write your own games and run them on ARCADE or download existing games and enjoy a fully featured handheld gaming experience.

Integrated features:

Kitronik ARCADE has been specifically designed to provide the perfect platform for these games. It is packed with features and has been ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use. It features a color LCD screen with a wide viewing angle, a piezo sounder for audio feedback, a vibration motor for haptic feedback, 6 gamer input buttons, a menu button, a reset button and an on/off switch. Everything you need for the perfect gaming experience. It also features software volume control, a USB programming port and 2 expansion ports for expert level users.

For education:

MakeCode Arcade's focus is on learning/education and there are plenty of resources available on the MakeCode Arcade website to facilitate this. There are guided tutorials that walk you through creating simple games, more complex games that you can open and learn from, games written by community members that you can learn from, tutorials on game concepts, tutorials that cover graphics and math, lesson plans, computer science courses, printable coding cards for the classroom, video tutorials, and much more!

For fun:

Sometimes it's all about playing! ARCADE provides a full-featured platform for a complete handheld gaming experience. If programming isn't your thing and you just want to play, there are plenty of gameson the MakeCode Arcade website that you can download for free and enjoy without having to learn or debug anything. Access to these games is free and users are constantly adding new ones. Just search for something you like, download it, and then sit back and enjoy the experience.

Performance:

The ARCADE can be powered by either 3xAA batteries or via the micro USB port. The battery holders are located on the back of the circuit board. The three battery holders are ergonomically positioned and double as handles for maximum comfort and control while playing. Thanks to the integrated battery power supply, you can play your games anywhere: on the train, on the couch or wherever!

For advanced users:

And for the advanced user, we have 2 expansion ports and a debug port. The expansion ports give you direct access to the microprocessor pins and the debug port allows you to customize the bootloader code. More information can be found on the last page of the datasheet and in our GitHub repository. Permanent damage can occur here, so please avoid it unless you are sure you know what you are doing.

Features:

• Kitronik ARCADE is a handheld gamepad with multiple features for use with the Microsoft Arcade Editor.
• Write your own games to play or download games for free from the MakeCode Arcade website.
• Use the wealth of educational material available to create a game from scratch or tweak existing code and learn the open source method.
• It features a full-color LCD screen with a wide viewing angle.
• It has a piezo buzzer for audio feedback.
• Use the vibration motor for haptic feedback.
• It also has 6 gamer input buttons, a menu button, a reset button and an on/off switch.
• There is also a software volume control, a USB programming port and two expansion ports for experienced users.
• The ARCADE can be powered either by 3 AA batteries or via the micro USB port.

Dimensions:

• Length: 155 mm
• Width (max.): 60 mm
• Height (max.): 28.3 mm

Scope of delivery:

• 1 x ARCADE for MakeCode Arcade Gamepad
• Laser-cut protective cover parts and fasteners