Description
Introducing the new Arcade Display Shield Console for micro:bit, a fully programmable handheld gaming console that transforms your existing micro:bit v2 into a fun, portable game-coding powerhouse. Designed as a more affordable and accessible way to dive into game creation, this shield is perfect for anyone who already has a micro:bit v2 sitting at home and is looking for something fresh, inspiring, and exciting to do with it.
By attaching a micro:bit v2 to the Arcade Display Shield Console, learners can follow countless online tutorials to recreate retro arcade classics or bring their own game ideas to life using Microsoft® MakeCode, an intuitive, browser-based coding platform. Once their game is ready, they can load it directly onto the console, allowing them to play, test, and share their creations on a real handheld device. The MakeCode Arcade platform turns coding into a simple, visual, and highly engaging experience, making it easier than ever for kids to learn powerful programming concepts without wrestling with complicated languages.
Giving kids early exposure to coding helps them develop essential, future-ready skills. Through playful experimentation, they naturally strengthen analytical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, resilience, collaboration, and even academic abilities, especially in Science and Maths.
With the Arcade Display Shield Console for micro:bit, kids can code their own retro-style games, replay beloved classics, and proudly share what they’ve built with friends and family. It’s an empowering skill, a rewarding creative outlet, and a wonderfully fun hands-on journey, perfect for young coders, tinkerers, and curious minds ready to take their micro:bit to the next level.
And the possibilities extend far beyond game creation. Learners can continue exploring with the standard micro:bit MakeCode environment or go even deeper by using micro:code, a new creative programming system that lets you build and run programs directly on the micro:bit, without needing a computer at all. With micro:code, kids can experiment with logic, animations, interactivity, and even physical computing concepts right on the device, opening up an exciting new world of hands-on exploration. It’s a wonderful next step for curious young makers who want to push their creativity further and discover the full potential of their micro:bit.
What is MakeCode Arcade?
MakeCode Arcade is a 2D-focused game development platform developed & maintained by Microsoft®. With a block-based games programming environment, MakeCode Arcade is well suited for young adults curious about coding & game development yet afraid to deal with traditional complex, cryptic & tedious text-based programming. Once you have completed your game, transfer it into a MakeCode Arcade compatible hand-held game device to see it in action. Live!
Note: This product is designed and assembled in Malaysia by TomatoCube.
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Important Note
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This MakeCode Arcade Shield requires a micro:bit v2 board to function. Please select option “with micro:bit v2” if you’d like to purchase the shield with a micro:bit board as well.
For those who are interested in our standalone MakeCode Arcade Console (non-micro:bit version), you can check out the link here: https://tomatocube.com/product/makecode-arcade-console-v2/
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Technical Specification
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- Power Input:
- USB-C (5V)
- 3xAAA Standard Store-bought Alkaline Batteries
Onboard Peripherals
- Game Control: 1x analog joystick, 2x Silicon action push button switches
- System Control: 1x Menu side mounted tactile switch & 1x strengten side mounted Power slider switch
- Display: LCD: 1.8” Color TFT LCD screen
- Sound: Uses micro:bit V2 onboard amplifier with speaker
- Expansion: 5x Alligator/Crocodile Clip access point, 1x Microsoft Jacdac connection, 1x Grove i2c socket (only for advanced user, will void warranty & useable in micro:bit MakeCode or microPython/circuitPython mode only. Disabled by default and will require soldering skill to enable)
- Indicator: 1x Power indicator LED indicator
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Packing List
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- 1 × Arcade Display Shield Console for micro:bit by TomatoCube
- 1 x Type-C to USB-A data cable
- 1 x Laser-cut acrylic protection backing
- 1 x Fabric Pouch
Document / Guide: User Quick Start Guide