Devices

One of the great things about MakeCode Arcade is that you can download your creations onto physical devices to play. This adds a huge physical dimension to coding which is often quite an abstract subject. I have a range of different devices that I use in my code clubs with MakeCode Arcade. There is no perfect piece of hardware so what you want probably depends on your needs. I have included my own personal thoughts about those I own and some that I plan to own.

Devices I own

Kittenbot Meowbit

The children at my code clubs love this device more than any other. It's a truly great device. As well as MakeCode Arcade, it also is also supported in CircuitPython. It has additional sensors and an SD card slot too. It also has an edge connector so you can plug it into lots of devices aimed for the BBC micro:bit. Because it comes with a rubber casing, it is also quite hard wearing which is handy with kids. It is also cheap to buy.

The downside? they appear to be next to impossible to buy and are always out of stock!of.

The Meowbit might be available from Pimoroni.

Micro:bit V2 with Kitronik Arcade Shield

This is my current go to device for MakeCode Arcade. The shields themselves are great. They are robust and have 3 x AA batteries so are easily powered. The micro:bit slots in the top and the pins are easily accessible which opens up a level of connectivity. It's not an edge connector like in the Meowbit though. These are reasonable priced and because the micro:bit is removable, you can use them a bit like removable carts to swap games. Because the micro:bit is the brains that runs the show, you have access to all the wireless functionality which none of the other devices have. This is amazing for 2-player games!

The only downside is that the micro:bit is not the most powerful device and is a bit rubbish with CircuitPython (though it does have excellent Micropython support). This is unlikely to be an issue for the vast majority of people though.

The micro:bit V2 is available from loads of places including Pimoroni. The shield is available from Kitronik or The Pi Hut.

Adafruit PyBadge

There are several variations of the PyBadge including: Adafruit PyBadge, Adafruit PyBadge LC and Adafruit EdgeBadge. These are really popular with the children in my code clubs. They are more fragile than the Meowbits but robust enough for a bit of rough handling. They are also readily available and also the cheapest options (especially if you opt for the Low Cost LC version). The Adafruit device also has amazing support with CircuitPython should you move on later to use that.

Whilst the PyBadge does not come with a case or cover the Adafruit website has materials for printing your own case in the PyBadge GamePad article.

As with all Adafruit devices, support and information is readily available. The Adafruit PyBadge page contains an excellent overview and teh device schematics can be found under Downloads for those curious.

The PyBadge LC is available at Pimoroni and the EdgeBadge is available at Pimoroni.

Retro Arcade for Education

I only have one of these devices and I share it with my daughter. It has a lovely large 2.4" LCD screen and a built in battery. It can be a bit fiddly to download the apps to but is a beautiful device; particularly that large screen. It is one of the more expensive devices though and it just offers the basic in functionality. It also has no CircuitPython support but that probably isn't a concern if you are buying this.

It is available from The Pi Hut and has an online manual.

Devices I don't yet own

Kitronik Arcade Max

This looks like an exciting new product from Kitronik. It has big 2.4" LCD and 3 x AA batteries. It also looks to be built robustly like other Kitronik kit and is on my shopping list. It looks to have no CircuitPython support which is a shame but that may come in the future. The spacing of the buttons look like they have taken their que from the micro:bit shield and they were fine. Its pricing is about middle of the pack.

It is available from Kitronik and The Pi Hut.

Kitronic Arcade

This device pre-dates the Kitronic Arcade Max. It's chunkier and has a much smaller screen. The size of the buttons may be better for smaller children but its hard to see this as a better buy than the Arcade Max, especially given the small price difference and the Arcade Max has that much bigger screen.

It is available from Kitronik and Pimoroni.

Making your own hardware

Something that other platforms rarely offer is the option to build your own hardware. Well, MakeCode Arcade does offer that (though you do admittedly need some expertise). Head over to the MakeCode Arcade Hardware page for some excellent reading.

Adafruit Feather M4

If you have some electronics experience, it is really easy to make your own device with the Adafruit Feather M4 as described here. I use a variation of this to great effect in my halloween projects. Rather than output to a single screen I output the video signal to two screens to produce a pair of eyes; creepy.

Homebrew micro:bit shield

If you have a bit more experience, try making your own micro:bit shield based device by following the instructions here and using the reference design here.

Cabinets and kiosks

Want to make your own MakeCode Arcade cabinet? Explore these instructions here.

Make your own shoebox controller which you can then use with the Kiosk mode.