In 2014, video game enthusiasts were treated with Arduboy, a minimalistic handheld video gaming system that was the size of a credit card. Designed by Kevin Bates, Arduboy offered a minimalistic retro gaming experience that was never seen before. Seven years later, Bates is taking his vision of a mini-game console to the next level.
Bates recently presented a Kickstarter campaign for Arduboy Mini; a stripped-down version of Arduboy that is the size of a pack of gums. This gaming console, which was at least three years in the making, comes with more than 300 preinstalled games previously available for the original Arduboy, and all of them are fully playable. As a bonus, you get more storage space for games that will be developed in the future.
It is important to note that the Arduboy Mini is completely bare and doesn’t come with speakers or a battery. However, the users can attach these by themselves, thanks to pre-existing contacts. This is not part of Bates’ original idea to have Arduboy Mini as a learning tool.
The Kickstarter campaign for Arduboy Mini quickly exceeded its original $10,000 goal. With more than two weeks left to go, it is already sitting at around $34,000 thanks to more than 500 backers. Those who pledged at least $29 will get a standard Arduboy Mini while pledging $34 gets you a Giraffe edition Arduboy Mini. For $240, you get 10 Arduboy Minis.
