Play Multiplayer Games on Your Credit Card-Sized Arduboy
▼ Summary
– Kevin Bates, creator of the Arduboy, has announced a new model called the Arduboy FX-C with upgrades and new color options.
– The Arduboy FX-C now includes a USB-C port for charging, syncing, and multiplayer gaming using a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 cable.
– A Founder’s edition with purple buttons is available for $99, limited to 500 units, with a discounted two-pack also offered.
– A cheaper Standard edition with green buttons will soon be available on Amazon with free shipping, addressing the price increase due to tariffs.
– The device features basic specs, including a 128×64 OLED screen and six buttons, but expands storage to hold 300 preloaded games, up from 200.
The latest iteration of the popular credit card-sized gaming handheld, the Arduboy FX-C, has been unveiled by creator Kevin Bates, bringing several key upgrades to the beloved open-source platform. Following the recent releases of the matchbox-sized Arduboy Mini and a uniquely banana-shaped model, this new version introduces a modern USB-C port. This addition not only streamlines charging and data syncing but also, for the very first time, enables direct multiplayer gaming by linking two Arduboy FX-C units with a simple USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 cable.
A special Founder’s edition of the device, featuring distinctive purple buttons, is currently available for purchase directly from the Arduboy online store. This limited run of 500 units is priced at $99. For gamers looking to jump straight into multiplayer action, a two-pack bundle is also offered. Limited to just 100 units, this bundle is discounted to $178. When questioned by Reddit users about the price increase from the previous $79 model, Bates clarified that the new $99 price point was necessary to navigate current tariff challenges and ensure the company’s viability. He also confirmed that a more affordable Standard edition with green buttons will be released soon on Amazon, which will include the benefit of free shipping.
To engage in multiplayer sessions, players must connect two Arduboy FX-C devices using either the included USB-C cable or a compatible Thunderbolt 3 cable. This wired connection provides a simple and direct way to enjoy games with a friend.
Under the hood, the Arduboy FX-C maintains its straightforward and accessible hardware design. It is powered by the same ATmega32u4 processor found on the Arduino Micro and features a monochrome 128×64-pixel OLED display capable of rendering only white pixels, foregoing grayscale or anti-aliasing effects. The control scheme remains a simple six-button layout. While the original Arduboy FX came preloaded with an impressive 200 games, the new FX-C model significantly expands its onboard library to hold 300 preloaded titles. This substantial increase in ready-to-play content makes the handheld even more appealing to users who are primarily interested in playing games rather than delving into the device’s open-source development capabilities.
(Source: The Verge)