Following his earlier experiments with playful variations on his celebrated handheld console—most notably the minuscule, matchbox-sized Arduboy Mini and the whimsical, banana-shaped edition of the original Arduboy—creator Kevin Bates has once again expanded his portfolio with a fresh reinterpretation of the concept. His latest innovation, the Arduboy FX-C, represents a refined evolution of the existing Arduboy FX line, now adorned with several relevant technical updates and an appealing range of new color configurations. This release clearly demonstrates Bates’s continual effort to combine nostalgic design with current hardware standards.
One of the most notable physical upgrades arrives in the form of a USB-C port, a first for the credit-card-sized console series. This modern connector not only replaces the more dated micro-USB standard but also brings tangible functional advantages. Through this port, the Arduboy FX-C can be charged and connected for data synchronization with ease, while also enabling a multiplayer mode that allows two devices to interact directly. Owners can link their systems using the included USB-C cable or substitute any Thunderbolt 3 compatible cord, providing accessibility and convenience in line with modern consumer expectations.
For those eager to secure an exclusive version, Bates has introduced a special Founder’s Edition of the Arduboy FX-C. This limited model, distinguished by its eye-catching purple buttons, is sold directly through the official Arduboy online store for a price of $99. Availability is strictly capped at 500 individual units, adding a layer of collectability to the already niche device. Additionally, a specially priced two-pack—restricted to just 100 units—is offered at a discounted rate of $178, appealing to both collectors and enthusiasts who wish to share the experience with a friend. However, many members of the Arduboy community, particularly those active on platforms like Reddit, have voiced curiosity and concern about the higher price point when compared to the earlier $79 Arduboy FX. Bates addressed these remarks candidly, explaining that the current global tariff environment has exerted financial pressure on production, thereby necessitating the higher retail cost. As he put it, the $99 tag is “actually more than I want to charge,” but under existing economic conditions, maintaining that price represents the only viable strategy to sustain the business. Nonetheless, to alleviate cost concerns, Bates also revealed that a more affordable Standard Edition—recognizable by its green buttons—will soon be distributed through Amazon, where it will include complimentary shipping for customers seeking a lower barrier to entry.
From a technical perspective, the Arduboy FX-C remains intentionally modest, staying faithful to the minimalistic hardware philosophy that has long defined the brand. It retains the same ATmega32u4 microcontroller used in the Arduino Micro, ensuring compatibility with the broader open-source developer community. The display is a compact 128×64-pixel OLED screen that renders crisp monochrome imagery in pure white, deliberately forgoing grayscale transitions or any anti-aliasing features to preserve the pixelated charm of retro gaming. The control scheme remains familiar, consisting of six responsive buttons that maintain the tactile simplicity appreciated by enthusiasts. Despite these humble specifications, the new FX-C manages to incorporate a meaningful internal improvement: while the prior Arduboy FX could store around two hundred games in its memory, the FX-C increases capacity to accommodate as many as three hundred preloaded titles. This expanded library not only enhances the device’s appeal to casual players who prefer to focus solely on enjoying the diverse selection of community-created games, but it also reinforces the inclusionary spirit of the platform. In essence, Bates’s refreshed design amplifies accessibility while preserving the open-source ethos that has made the Arduboy an enduring symbol of creativity and independent game development.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/813661/arduboy-fx-c-handheld-console-arduino-usb-c-multiplayer
