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Description
Develop your coding skills with the Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade, a fully featured programmable gamepad for use with the MakeCode Arcade block editor.
The Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade is a handheld gaming platform designed specifically for use with the BBC micro:bit and the MakeCode Arcade editor, either write your own games and run them on Arcade or download existing games. The MakeCode Arcade editor is a great way to learn to code games. It features simple snap-together blocks that allow the user to build simple games within minutes. The editor has been designed to allow everyone, from beginners to experienced game enthusiasts, to create games to run in the browser or on handheld consoles. It consists of drag-and-drop blocks that snap together to form programs. You can also write your code in Javascript and Python!
To help you get off to a flying start, we have created a Datasheet, which also doubles as a quick start guide. It comprises; a product brief, usage information, labelled and dimensioned drawings, and an introduction to coding with the MakeCode Arcade editor.
The board features 4 directional d-pad buttons, 2 interactive action buttons for coding, a menu button and a full colour 1.77” screen. At the bottom of the BBC micro:bit Arcade are 5 croc-clippable pads for connecting additional switches and devices. These consist of the 3 BBC micro:bit pins (P0, P1 and P2) also a voltage pin and a ground (the same connections as the large pads on the BBC micro:bit. This allows for custom additions to the gamer. Sound is provided via the in-built sounder on the BBC micro:bit.
The Kitronik Arcade is powered by 3xAA batteries, with the battery holders located on the rear of the PCB. The battery holders also act as an ergonomic grip that makes it comfortable to use. The board also provides power to the connected micro:bit via the edge connector slot, removing the need to power the micro:bit separately. The Arcade has a power switch, but it is also possible to turn the Arcade off by simply removing or inserting the BBC micro:bit into the edge connector. There is a green power LED that lights up when the board has power, is switched on, and has a micro:bit inserted.
The emphasis for MakeCode Arcade is Learning/Education and there are a wealth of resources available on the MakeCode Arcade website to facilitate this. There are; guided tutorials that walk you through creating simple games, more complex games that you can open and learn from, games written by community members that you can learn from, game concepts tutorials, tutorials that explore graphics and Maths, lesson plans, CS courses, printable coding cards for the classroom, video tutorials, and much more!
Note:
- The Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit is NOT supplied with a BBC micro:bit, they are available separately here.
- This board only works with the latest V2 version of the BBC micro:bit.
Features:
- The Kitronik ARCADE for micro:bit is a feature-packed handheld gamepad for use with BBC micro:bit V2 and the Microsoft Arcade editor.
- Write your own games to play or freely download games from the MakeCode Arcade website.
- Use the wealth of educational material available to create a game from the ground up or tweak existing code and learn the open-source way.
- It features a full-colour LCD 1.77” screen.
- It also features; 6 gamer input buttons, a menu button, on/off switch.
- The ARCADE breaks out the 0, 1, 2, 3V, GND pins from the micro:bit edge connector to croc-clippable pads below the screen.
- The ARCADE is powered by 3xAA batteries (Not supplied, available separately here).
Contents:
- 1 x Kitronik ARCADE for BBC micro:bit and MakeCode Arcade gamepad.
- Laser-cut protective case parts and fixings (supplied already fully assembled and fitted to ARCADE).
Dimensions:
- Length: 150mm.
- Width: 65mm.
- Height: 22mm.
Video:
Requires:
- BBC micro:bit V2.
- 3 x AA Batteries.
- Microsoft MakeCode Arcade Editor.
- 1 x USB Type-A to Micro-B USB Noodle Cable.
Buy British:
This product is designed and manufactured in the UK by Kitronik.
-
Datasheet.
- Using the edge connector with MakeCode Arcade.
- Hour of code Educators Guide & Teacher Resources.
- Access countless hours of tutorials, lesson plans and more at the MakeCode Arcade website.
| Attribute | Value |
| Processor | BBC micro:bit (V2 and above only) |
| Battery Operating voltage (VCC) | 3 x AA batteries – Alkaline or NiMH/NiCad (3.6-4.5V) |
| LCD screen resolution | 160 x 128 |
| LCD screen size | 1.77 inch (diagonal) |
| Typical Current Draw | 80mA (Approx. - depending on use) |
| Typical Battery life (based on 3xAA Alkaline batteries) | 20 hours (Approx. - depending on use) |
Same Day Dispatch
- Orders placed online before 3:00pm Monday - Friday (excluding public holidays and our Christmas shutdown period) are always dispatched the same day provided the goods are in stock. If the goods are not in stock we will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible to discuss a dispatch date.
UK Deliveries
- If you live on the UK mainland and don't have any large materials or lithium batteries in your order it will cost £3.95 (£4.74 including VAT) if you spend less than £40 (£48 including VAT).
- If you spend between £40 and £200 (£48 - £240.00 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) delivery is free to most locations, £12 (£14.40 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) to Northern Ireland and £15 (£18.00 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) to UK remote locations. For a list of postcodes that will be charged the remote location rate: remote area list.
- If you spend over £200 (£240.00 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) delivery is free within the UK.
Rest of the world
- These orders are sent via UPS, and the cost is dependant on the service you choose at checkout. Alternatively you can choose the free collection option and have your own courier collect it from us. International orders can only be shipped to the registered card address. Please note: International orders may be charged import duty dependant on local import laws and duty rates. These charges are usually billed to you directly from UPS.
- Delivery times vary for international orders depending on the service selected and the destination. You can see the delivery time and cost at the shipping stage, or by using the shipping estimator from within the shipping basket.
Collection
- If you would like to collect your order, or use your own courier then there is an option you can select during checkout. We do not charge a packaging or handling fee for this service, and you will receive an email when your order has been processed, you can collect half an hour after receipt of this email.
Further Information
- For information about all of the delivery options we offer see full delivery details.
A wide range of BBC micro:bit resources, what it is, the editors and using the micro:bit
A wide range of BBC micro:bit resources, what it is, the editors and using the micro:bit
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