8BitCADE Original | DIY Retro Games Console for Young Adults | Learn To Solder & Code Arduino | Build Your Own Handheld Games Console & Play Retro Games Electronics Kit For Any Gamer

The Build Your Own Handheld Games Console is a fun and engaging DIY kit that allows users to create their own portable gaming device. This kit is a great option for anyone interested in electronics, gaming, or DIY projects.The kit comes with all the necessary components, including a circuit board, screen, buttons, and battery. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the process of building the console is straightforward, even for those with little experience in electronics.One of the standout features of this kit is its flexibility. The console can be customized with different types of games, and users can even create their own games using programming software. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to explore the world of game development and programming.The console itself is well-designed and easy to use. The screen is bright and clear, and the buttons are responsive and tactile. The battery life is also impressive, providing several hours of gaming on a single charge.

I'm pretty adapt at constructing retro gaming machines, having had lots of raspberry pi's, odroid and other single board computers along with several purpose built arcade machine cabinets and virtual pinball machines.So why bother with this?Well this is a complete fiddly build using an Arduino based board, which is something i have never tried and my eyes aren't what they used to be, so i have added my backlit stabilised magnifier to my toolkit and this was a good test for both that and it.Arrived in a box suitable for gifting, along with the included bagged contents.Rather like any model kit, make sure you have everything beforehand and commencing construction.ConclusionBuild was relatively easy to complete, as expected i required my backlit magnifier as my eyes ain't what they used to be, so bear that in mind if you're progressing in years.Tutorials were decent with simple easy to follow step by step instructions, i didn't bother with the video tutorials for the build, just grabbed the .pdf.Games are simple enough to download and install on the connected device, though are obviously a little basic, but remember you bought this for the build with the prospect of some ongoing gaming being a bonus.More advanced retro gaming options can be found elsewhere for a similar price, but this is aimed squarely at the fun of the build and it's hardware. If you like to ongoing tinker with emulation and software and ain't too bothered about constructing the hardware first, a pi or odroid is probably a better option.Recommended as a project for the younger enthusiast

This is a super bit of kit that can introduce kids or those looking to gain an insight into how electronics are assembled, engineered and coded.Featuring all the necessary components to build and create your own games console, what more could a budding young electronics engineer need? Well you'll actually need some basic skill of soldering and the tools required to solder so bear this in mind when getting the kit.I think at just under £50 at time of review is a little bit pricey to be honest but you do get the online support and tutorials needed to build your games console as well as learning how to code the thing.It arrived in a relatively small box with everything there and upon inspection there was no issues with the components.This kit is suitable for kids over 7yrs old and this could be a nice gift for dad and son to spend some time together to build and have fun with which is what my intention will be and help my boy with his finer motor skills. I have the soldering iron and other bits, I just need the time now to spend with him to make a start on the kit that I'm sure he's going to love coding and putting his own games on there. It's not going to replace his love of the ps4 that's for sure but what this kit does is open his mind to how electronics work and may just find he wants to pursue a career one day in this field.Let's face it, technology is rapidly changing nowadays and getting kids into this type of interest could serve them well in the future.

I will upload a video later on when I start soldering this together, currently the video is quite long and cannot be uploaded here.This is a great product comes with all parts needed, I am a big fan of products like these whereas you solder and learn down the way.A couple of gocha's here and there, but overall a really good product.Definitely recommended.

I am looking forward to completing this but it is very time consuming because a lot of care and attention is needed. When the item arrived it threw me a bit because the box is very small considering it's £45+ price tag, it had no contents list or instructions but on the box is a website link that takes you to a tutorial and help guide.Now unless you have access to an electronics tool kit including soldering iron you are going to need to purchase one at between £16 - £30. So it can make this purchase quite expensive considering that the end product will be a very basic 8 bit retro games console with a couple of hundred basic games. Consoles with retro games sell for half this price but it's not really about that, it's about the enjoyment of actually building your own handset and coding it and hopefully getting a fully working console at the end of it.That is why I wanted to give it a go, I know the games are going to be basic and the kids and grand kids will look at it and laugh at the game graphic quality but sometimes it's about remembering where it all started and enjoying the blast from the past. So I am going to persevere and smile at the memories.