Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade

Develop your coding skills with the Kitronik ARCADE, a fully - featured programmable gamepad designed for the BBC micro:bit V2 and the MakeCode Arcade block editor. This handheld gaming platform lets you either write your own games or download existing ones from the MakeCode Arcade website. The MakeCode Arcade editor is an excellent tool for learning game coding. It uses simple snap - together blocks, enabling users to build basic games in minutes. Suitable for beginners and experienced game lovers alike, it also supports coding in Javascript and Python! We've created a datasheet that serves as a quick - start guide. It includes a product overview, usage details, labelled and dimensioned drawings, and an intro to coding with the MakeCode Arcade editor. The board has 4 directional d - pad buttons, 2 interactive action buttons for coding, a menu button, and a vivid full - colour 1.77” screen. At the bottom, there are 5 croc - clippable pads for connecting extra switches and devices, using the same pins as the BBC micro:bit. Sound comes from the in - built sounder on the BBC micro:bit. Powered by 3xAA batteries with holders on the PCB rear, which also offer an ergonomic grip. The board powers the connected micro:bit via the edge connector, eliminating the need for separate power. There's a power switch, and you can also turn it off by inserting or removing the BBC micro:bit. A green power LED lights up when it's powered, switched on, and has a micro:bit inserted. The MakeCode Arcade focuses on learning and education, with a vast array of resources on its website, including guided tutorials, complex game examples, community - written games, game concept guides, graphics and Maths tutorials, lesson plans, CS courses, printable coding cards, and video tutorials. Note: The Kitronik ARCADE doesn't come with a BBC micro:bit, which is available separately. It only works with the latest V2 version of the BBC micro:bit. Features include being a feature - rich handheld gamepad for BBC micro:bit V2 and the Microsoft Arcade editor, allowing game creation and free downloads, using educational materials for game development, having a full - colour 1.77” screen, 6 gamer input buttons, a menu button, an on/off switch, breaking out micro:bit pins to croc - clippable pads, and being powered by 3xAA batteries. Contents are 1 x Kitronik ARCADE gamepad and a pre - assembled laser - cut protective case. Dimensions are 150mm in length, 65mm in width, and 22mm in height.

Using the Kitronik ARCADE is easy! First, insert 3xAA batteries into the holders on the back of the PCB. Then, connect your BBC micro:bit V2 to the edge connector. You can start coding right away using the MakeCode Arcade editor. You can either create your own games from scratch or download existing ones from the MakeCode Arcade website. The 4 directional d - pad buttons, 2 action buttons, and menu button make it easy to control your games. The 5 croc - clippable pads at the bottom let you connect additional switches and devices. When you're done, you can turn off the ARCADE using the power switch or by removing the BBC micro:bit. Remember, the Kitronik ARCADE doesn't come with a BBC micro:bit, and it only works with the V2 version. Keep the device in a dry and clean place. If the battery runs out, replace it with new 3xAA batteries. That's all you need to know to enjoy this fun and educational gaming platform!