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History of video games/Platforms/Kitronik GameZip 64

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  • A Kitronik GameZip 64.
    A Kitronik GameZip 64.

History[edit | edit source]

Launch[edit | edit source]

The Kitronik Game Zip 64 is a handheld gaming device released around 2018 as an add on to the educational BBC MicroBit computer.[1]

A 10 pack kit of the console and accessories was made for classroom use.[2] A more compact and cost reduced version of the console without a built in LED matrix display was also made.[3]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Many of the design decisions used on the Game Zip 64 would be reused by the later Kitronik Arcade handheld, released on October 30th, 2019.[4]

Technology[edit | edit source]

BBC Micro Bit[edit | edit source]

The console is compatible both versions one or two of the BBC MicroBit.[5] The Microbit effectively acts as both the storage medium and the computer, similar too many second generation home game consoles, though unlike those consoles, the Microbit can be reprogrammed.

Hardware[edit | edit source]

The console contains its own multicolor 64 LED display, which is arranged in an matrix 8 LEDs wide by 8 LEDs high.[5] Because the Micro Bit also has it's own LED matrix, the microbit effectively acts as a secondary display,[1] similar to the Nintendo DS line of handhelds.

The 3 AA batteries also act as grips for holding the console.[6][7]

The console was manufactured in the United Kingdom.[5]

Case Colors[edit | edit source]

Several optional laser cut perspex covers were manufactured in the United Kingdom for use with the system.[8][9][10][11] These came in at least four styles.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • The Kitronik GameZip 64 without a BBC Micro installed.
    The Kitronik GameZip 64 without a BBC Micro installed.
  • Joypad detail.
    Joypad detail.
  • A round buzzer is used to create simple sounds.
    A round buzzer is used to create simple sounds.
  • Haptic feedback is created by a motor spinning an intentionally unbalanced weight.
    Haptic feedback is created by a motor spinning an intentionally unbalanced weight.
  • The console rear, with 3 AA batteries installed.
    The console rear, with 3 AA batteries installed.
  • Expansion pins are included on the board.
    Expansion pins are included on the board.
  • A BBC Micro Bit.
    A BBC Micro Bit.

External Resources[edit | edit source]

Wikipedia has related information at Micro Bit

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kitronik GameZip 64

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ a b ":GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit - Kitronik".
  2. ↑ "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit Classroom Pack". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  3. ↑ "Kitronik :GAME Controller for micro:bit". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  4. ↑ "ARCADE for MakeCode Arcade Quick Overview". Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  5. ↑ a b c "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  6. ↑ Price, Chris (22 January 2018). "Kitronik's :GAME ZIP 64 allows gamers to code retro games like Snake and Pong!". Tech Digest. https://www.techdigest.tv/2018/01/kitroniks-game-zip-64-allows-gamers-to-code-retro-games-like-snake-and-pong.html. 
  7. ↑ Atwell, Cabe (March 26th, 2019). "Top Accessories and Add-Ons for the BBC Micro:Bit Microcontroller". https://www.eetimes.com/top-accessories-and-add-ons-for-the-bbc-microbit-microcontroller/. 
  8. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Clear". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  9. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Orange". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  10. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Blue". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  11. ↑ a b "Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 Laser cut cover - Green". Kitronik Ltd. Retrieved 28 January 2021.


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