The beloved, credit-card-sized Arduboy has been a cult favorite in the retro gaming and maker communities for years. Its minimalist design and open-source nature offered a pure, distraction-free gaming experience. Now, the team behind this iconic gadget is launching its most significant upgrade yet: the Arduboy FX-C.
While retaining the charmingly transparent aesthetic and DIY spirit that made the original a hit, the FX-C model addresses one of the biggest user requests and brings a host of new features to the table, including a modern charging port, a massive library of pre-loaded games, and a surprising new multiplayer capability.
Goodbye, Micro-USB: Hello, USB-C Convenience
For many, the most welcome change will be immediately visible on the bottom of the device. The Arduboy FX finally ditches the outdated micro-USB port in favor of the universal USB-C standard. This isn't just a cosmetic or convenience upgrade for charging, though that is a significant benefit. This shift to USB-C unlocks a completely new functionality for the Arduboy ecosystem: direct cable-based multiplayer.
The ability to physically link two handhelds for head-to-head gaming sessions evokes a nostalgic feeling of the Game Boy Link Cable era, promising a social and tangible gaming experience that's rare in today's wireless world.
A Game Library That's Bigger and Better
What’s a gaming handheld without games? The Arduboy FX-C ships with a staggering 300 games pre-installed directly onto its hardware, a substantial jump from the 200 titles included with its predecessor. This vast library ensures that from the moment you unbox it, you have a diverse collection of bite-sized, black-and-white adventures, puzzles, and arcade classics to explore.
The open-source heart of the Arduboy remains strong. For those who burn through the 300 included titles, the platform's vibrant community is constantly creating new games. Additional games can be easily downloaded from the internet and flashed onto the device, making the Arduboy FX-C a gift that keeps on giving.
Staying True to its Transparent Roots
Despite these modern upgrades, the core philosophy of the Arduboy remains untouched. The FX-C continues to use a single, elegantly designed circuit board housed in a plastic case with a transparent front. This "see-through" design isn't just a style choice; it's a statement, inviting users to appreciate the engineering and remember the device's maker-friendly, Arduino-based origins.
Powering this simplicity is a rather tiny 180mAh battery. However, thanks to the incredibly efficient 1-bit OLED display and the modest power demands of the ATmega32u4 microcontroller, that small cell is expected to deliver up to eight hours of playtime on a single charge.
Under the Hood: Powering Pixel-Perfect Fun
Speaking of hardware, the Arduboy FX-C combines a sharp, high-contrast 1-bit OLED display (128 x 64 pixels) with an ATmega32u4 Arduino microcontroller. It's paired with 2.5KB of RAM and a generous 16MB of storage for all those games. This specific hardware setup is what allows the Arduboy to deliver its unique, lag-free, and intensely focused gaming experience.
A Crucial Caveat for Multiplayer Mayhem
That new USB-C multiplayer feature, however, comes with a very important disclaimer. The company explicitly notes that multiplayer will not work with just any USB-C cable you have lying around. If you lose the special cable included in the box, you cannot simply grab a cheap charging cable. For a successful connection, you will need to source a more expensive, fully wired Thunderbolt 3 cable. This is a key detail for prospective buyers to note, as not all USB-C cables are created equal.
Price, Availability, and How to Get One
Ready to grab one of these limited-edition handhelds? The Arduboy FX-C is available for order now. You can find all the details and place your order directly on the official Arduboy FX-C product page.
Here's the breakdown:
- Single Unit: Priced at $99.
- Two-Pack Bundle: Perfect for multiplayer, priced at $178.
- Limited Run: This specific transparent model is a limited edition, with only 500 single units and 100 two-packs available.
- Future Plans: For those who miss out, the company plans to release a color-matched, non-transparent "unlimited" version at a later date.
Shipping for the Arduboy FX-C is expected to begin in December. The company does ship to Europe for an additional $15 fee, but buyers should be aware that the listed prices do not include potential import duties or customs fees, which will be the responsibility of the recipient.
The Arduboy FX-C represents a thoughtful evolution of a beloved platform. By listening to its community and incorporating modern standards without sacrificing its core identity, it’s poised to capture the hearts of a new generation of retro gaming enthusiasts.
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