Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade

The Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade is a handheld gaming platform designed specifically for use with the BBC micro:bit and the MakeCode Arcade editor, either write your own games and run them on Arcade or download existing games. The MakeCode Arcade editor is a great way to learn to code games. It features simple snap-together blocks that allow the user to build simple games within minutes. The editor has been designed to allow everyone, from beginners to experienced game enthusiasts, to create games to run in the browser or on handheld consoles. It consists of drag-and-drop blocks that snap together to form programs. You can also write your code in Javascript and Python!

To help you get off to a flying start, we have created a Datasheet, which also doubles as a quick start guide. It comprises; a product brief, usage information, labelled and dimensioned drawings, and an introduction to coding with the MakeCode Arcade editor.

The board features 4 directional d-pad buttons, 2 interactive action buttons for coding, a menu button and a full colour 1.77” screen. At the bottom of the BBC micro:bit Arcade are 5 croc-clippable pads for connecting additional switches and devices. These consist of the 3 BBC micro:bit pins (P0, P1 and P2) also a voltage pin and a ground (the same connections as the large pads on the BBC micro:bit. This allows for custom additions to the gamer. Sound is provided via the in-built sounder on the BBC micro:bit.

The Kitronik Arcade is powered by 3x AA batteries, with the battery holders located on the rear of the PCB.  The battery holders also act as an ergonomic grip that makes it comfortable to use. The board also provides power to the connected micro:bit via the edge connector slot, removing the need to power the micro:bit separately. The Arcade has a power switch, but it is also possible to turn the Arcade off by simply removing or inserting the BBC micro:bit into the edge connector. There is a green power LED that lights up when the board has power, is switched on, and has a micro:bit inserted.

The emphasis for MakeCode Arcade is Learning/Education and there are a wealth 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, game concepts tutorials, tutorials that explore graphics and Maths, lesson plans, CS courses, printable coding cards for the classroom, video tutorials, and much more!

Notes

• The Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit is NOT supplied with a BBC micro:bit, they are available separately here.
• This board only works with the latest V2 version of the BBC micro:bit.

Features

• The Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit is a feature-packed handheld gamepad for use with BBC micro:bit V2 and the Microsoft Arcade editor.
• Write your own games to play or freely download games from the MakeCode Arcade website.
• Use the wealth of educational material available to create a game from the ground up or tweak existing code and learn the open-source way.
• It features a full-colour LCD 1.77” screen.
• It also features; 6 gamer input buttons, a menu button, on/off switch.
• The ARCADE breaks out the 0, 1, 2, 3V, GND pins from the micro:bit edge connector to croc-clippable pads below the screen.
• The ARCADE is powered by 3xAA batteries (Not supplied, available separately here).

What’s on Board

Specifications

Resources

• Datasheet
• Hour of code Educators Guide & Teacher Resources

Package Contents

• 1 x Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade gamepad.
• Laser-cut protective case parts and fixings (supplied already fully assembled and fitted to ARCADE)