Adafruit PyGamer for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython or Arduino

by Adafruit

What fits in your pocket, is fully Open Source, and can run CircuitPython, MakeCode Arcade or Arduino games you write yourself? That's right, it's the Adafruit PyGamer!

Adafruit wanted to make an entry-level gaming handheld for DIY gaming, and maybe a little retro-emulation. It's not the fastest and best of everything but it is an all-in-one dev board with a lot of possibilities!

The PyGamer is powered by their favorite chip, the ATSAMD51, with 512KB of flash and 192KB of RAM. They add 8 MB of QSPI flash for file storage, handy for images, fonts, sounds, or game assets.

On the front you get a 1.8" 160x128 color TFT display with dimmable backlight - it has fast DMA support for drawing so updates are incredibly fast. A dual-potentiometer analog stick gives you great control, with easy diagonal movement - or really any direction you like. There's also 4 square-top buttons. The buttons are arranged to mimic a gaming handheld, with 2 menu-select buttons and 2 fire-action buttons. There's also 5 NeoPixel LEDs to dazzle or track activity.

On the back we have a full Feather-compatible header socket set, so you can plug in any FeatherWing to expand the capabilities of the PyGamer. There's also 3 STEMMA connectors - two 3-pin with ADC/PWM capability and one 4-pin that connects to I2C - you can use this for Grove sensors as well.

For built in sensors, there's a light sensor that points out the front, and a 3-axis accelerometer that can detect taps and free-fall. To make bleeps and bloops, plug in any set of stereo headphones. For projects where you need more volume, you can plug in an 8 ohm speaker. The PyGamer will auto-switch to headphones when they're plugged in, otherwise play through the speaker.

You can power the PyGamer from any of our LiPoly batteries. An on-off switch will save battery power when not in use. Or power from the Micro USB port - it will also charge up the battery if one is attached.

Now, how to program it? Well you've got a lot of options!

Here's a list of everything you get

  • ATSAMD51J19 @ 120MHz with 3.3V logic/power - 512KB of FLASH + 192KB of RAM
  • 8 MB of QSPI Flash for storing images, sounds, animations, whatever!
  • Micro SD Card Slot for storing even more stuff when the QSPI flash isn't enough
  • 1.8" 160x128 Color TFT Display connected to its own SPI port
  • 1 x Analog Thumbstick with X and Y analog inputs
  • 4 x Game/Control Buttons with square tops
  • 5 x NeoPixels for dazzle, or game score-keeping
  • Triple-axis accelerometer (motion sensor)
  • Light sensor, reverse-mount so that it points out the front
  • Stereo headphone jack
  • Mono Class-D speaker driver for 4-8 ohm speakers, up to 2 Watts
  • LiPoly battery port with built in recharging capability
  • USB port for battery charging, programming and debugging
  • Two female header strips with Feather-compatible pinout so you can plug any FeatherWings in
  • JST ports for NeoPixels, sensor input, and I2C (you can fit I2C Grove connectors in here)
  • Reset button
  • On-Off switch

This product is just the bare PCB! Button caps, acrylic case, speaker, and battery are not included!

TECHNICAL DETAILS

  • Product Dimensions: 101.6mm x 60.0mm x 19.5mm / 4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8"
  • Product Weight: 37.5g / 1.3oz

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7 customer reviews

3 years ago
An amazing little piece of kit for doing all sorts of things, not to mention MakeCode Arcade. This is a perfect device for using when teaching kids (or anybody really) about coding. You don't really need a device for MakeCode Arcade but having one has really kept my son enthused about coding, knowing that he can put his game on it and show it to family and friends, away from his PC. The only gripe I have is that I needed to hunt down a battery and a speaker because it doesn't come with those things. There is a kit available that includes a case, battery, buttons and speaker, but this is not it. You may have to google for the full kit elsewhere.
by Daniel about Adafruit PyGamer for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython or Arduino via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
I Bought this for my son who was adamant he wanted to make his own gaming console... Showing my age, I thought the concept of creating a game Like Donkey Kong or something that users could create on a PC was going to be a bit of a battle but relented to buying this on the basis he should be able to master it quickly. This was surprisingly simple... Create a game on MakeCode. Press the Download Button - Drag and drop onto the PyGmaer (Just simply plugged in via USB) - Turns up as a memory stick and Voila !! Awesome !
by Charlie about Adafruit PyGamer for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython or Arduino via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
Very complete (if you add a very small LiPo and a speaker) gaming platform that you can program via Microsoft MakeCode Arcade (web interface), CircuitPython and in C with Arduino using Arcadia library. May be extended with Feather Wings, Stemma I2C board and much more.
by David about Adafruit PyGamer for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython or Arduino via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
MakeCode Arcade is great for kids learning to write games, and these little devices really fire the imagination, being able to play the games easily. They run CircuitPython and Arduino too, all round a win for anybody teaching kids to code, especially games. They do need the optional cases tho'.
by Anonymous about Adafruit PyGamer for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython or Arduino via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
I have been waiting for a UK supplier to get the PyGamer in stock for a long time. The product itself is great - like all Adafruit stuff. But it is not complete. This is no fun at all if you have to sit still, tethered to a USB power supply and wearing headphones. If this is supposed to be a modern DIY Gameboy then it needs to have its case and battery and speaker. I know, I get it, not all customers order the case. The "2017" regulations/law regarding shipping batteries is a PITA. But the PyGamer is just Meh! without all its parts. Please Pimoroni, sell us the whole thing!
by Stephen about Adafruit PyGamer for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython or Arduino via REVIEWS.io