Develop your coding skills with the Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade, a fully featured programmable gamepad for use with the MakeCode Arcade block editor.
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 3xAA 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!
Develop your coding skills with the Kitronik ARCADE Max, a fully featured programmable gamepad for use with the MakeCode Arcade block editor. The classroom pack comes with 10 ARCADE Max gamepads, 10 USB noodle cables, a pack of 40 batteries, and is packaged in a reusable Gratnells tray.
Kitronik ARCADE Max Class Pack for Makecode Arcade has been specifically designed for use in the classroom, and comes with all the hardware you need to get straight to work. The class pack comes with 10 ARCADE Max gamepads, 10 USB noodle cables, a pack of 40 batteries, and is packaged in a reusable Gratnells tray. The Datasheet also serves as a quick start guide that introduces you to the features, the MakeCode Editor, and how to write and run code on the ARCADE Max.
The Kitronik ARCADE Max for Makecode Arcade is an all-in-one handheld gaming platform, that can help you learn how to program! It lets you write and play fun and educational games using the Microsoft MakeCode Arcade game editor. It's packed full of features and has been ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use.
Each ARCADE Max features a large 2.4" full-colour LCD wide viewing angle screen, a piezo sounder for audio feedback, a vibration motor for haptic feedback, 7 fully programmable buttons (a direction pad, A & B action buttons and a menu button). It also features an onboard speaker, a haptic feedback vibration motor, and a touch acrylic protective case.
For Fun: Sometimes it's all about playing! ARCADE Max offers a fully-featured platform for an immersive handheld gaming experience. If coding isn't your thing and you just want to play, there is a wealth of games available on the MakeCode Arcade website that you are free to download and enjoy, with no learning/debugging required. Access to these games is free and more are being added by users continuously. Just browse for something you like, download it, and then sit back and enjoy the experience.