Thumby Color: Enhanced Retro Gaming Experience Now Available
Gamers and tech enthusiasts, get ready for a tiny treat. The Thumby Color is a miniature handheld gaming device that packs a big punch. This programmable keychain-sized console brings back memories of the Game Boy Advance, but with a modern twist.
The Thumby Color measures just 2 inches in size but offers a full gaming experience with a backlit color screen and all the buttons of a classic handheld. Created by TinyCircuits, this pocket-sized marvel runs on MicroPython, making it easy for users to create and play their own games.
The Thumby Color Kickstarter campaign has launched, giving backers a chance to get their hands on this unique device. It comes preloaded with six open-source games, including a first-person shooter and a dungeon crawler. The tiny screen might make for some challenging gameplay, but that's part of the fun.
Design and Features
The Thumby Color packs impressive hardware into a tiny, portable package. It combines nostalgic design elements with modern technology to create a unique gaming experience.
Hardware Specifications
The Thumby Color features a powerful Raspberry Pi RP2040 processor running at 150-300MHz. This dual-core chip with a floating-point unit provides ample processing power for retro-style games. The device includes 520KiB of SRAM and 16MiB of flash storage.
The centerpiece is a vibrant 0.85-inch color TFT LCD display with a 128x128 pixel resolution and 16-bit color depth. This tiny screen offers crisp visuals for its size.
For controls, the Thumby Color incorporates a responsive D-pad and multiple action buttons. It includes shoulder buttons, expanding control options beyond the original Thumby.
A rechargeable battery powers the device, with charging handled via a USB-C port.
Aesthetics and Build
The Thumby Color pays homage to classic handhelds with its design. It's available in a nostalgic purple color scheme, reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance.
A special edition version features a clear plastic casing, allowing users to see the internal components. This adds a unique aesthetic appeal for tech enthusiasts.
The device's build quality balances durability with its ultra-compact form factor. Despite its small size, button placement is ergonomic for comfortable play sessions.
Portability and Usability
At just 2 inches in size, the Thumby Color is incredibly portable. It's designed to attach to a keychain, making it easy to carry and play games on the go.
The tiny form factor presents both advantages and challenges for usability. While it's perfect for quick gaming sessions, extended play might be less comfortable than on larger devices.
The 8-button layout, including the D-pad and shoulder buttons, provides a versatile control scheme. This allows for more complex gameplay mechanics than its predecessor.
Gaming and Connectivity
The Thumby Color offers a range of gaming options and ways to connect with others. It blends retro-style gameplay with modern features to create a unique handheld experience.
Game Library and Development
The Thumby Color comes preloaded with 5+ games to start playing right away. Users can download more games made by the TinyCircuits community. These plug-and-play titles expand the gaming options.
For those interested in game creation, Thumby Color supports open-source development. TinyCircuits provides a free online Code Editor. This tool lets users program their own games for the device.
The game library includes simple yet fun titles. These games are designed to work well on the tiny 0.85-inch screen. While not as complex as Game Boy Advance titles, they offer entertaining gameplay suited to the device's size.
Multiplayer and Community
Thumby Color supports multiplayer gaming. Players can connect devices using a Thumby Link cable for head-to-head play. This feature adds a social element to the tiny console.
The TinyCircuits community plays a big role in Thumby's ecosystem. Users share games, tips, and ideas through forums and social media. This creates a vibrant space for Thumby enthusiasts to connect.
Discord serves as a hub for the Thumby community. Here, players can discuss games, share creations, and get help with programming. The open-source nature of Thumby encourages collaboration and creativity among users.
Immersive Features
Despite its small size, Thumby Color includes features to enhance gameplay. The device has 8 buttons for controls, allowing for varied input options in games.
An internal speaker provides audio feedback. This adds depth to the gaming experience, even on such a tiny device. The Color version improves on the original with 16-bit audio capabilities.
The 128 x 128 pixel color screen brings games to life with vibrant visuals. While small, the display offers a clear view of gameplay. The color screen marks a significant upgrade from the original Thumby model.
