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History of video games/Platforms/Kitronik GameZip 64

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  • A Kitronik GameZip 64.
    A Kitronik GameZip 64.

History edit

Launch edit

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

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

BBC Micro Bit edit

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

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

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

  •  
    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.

External Resources edit

 

Wikipedia has related information at Micro Bit

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kitronik GameZip 64

References edit

  1. ↑ a b ":GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit - Kitronik".
  2. ↑ "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit Classroom Pack". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  3. ↑ "Kitronik :GAME Controller for micro:bit". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  4. ↑ "ARCADE for MakeCode Arcade Quick Overview". Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  5. ↑ a b c "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  6. ↑ 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. 
  7. ↑ 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/. 
  8. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Clear". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  9. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Orange". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  10. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Blue". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  11. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Green". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.


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