Announcing the Kitronik ZIP96 Retro Gamer for Raspberry Pi Pico – Kitronik Ltd

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Kitronik are proud to announce the release of Kitronik ZIP96 Retro Gamer for Raspberry Pi Pico. Develop your coding skills with the' all-in-one handheld solution for Pico gaming!

As you may know, when it comes to to handheld gaming solutions for education and fun, this isn't our first rodeo. It all began with the :GAME ZIP 64 for BBC micro:bit, which was followed up shortly after with the :GAME Controller for BBC micro:bit. We then got behind the Microsoft MakeCode Arcade platform with the Kitronik ARCADE for MakeCode Arcade. Each of these gaming solutions offers something a little different, you can find out how they compare here. Let's take a look to the latest addition to the family;

Kitronik ZIP96 Retro Gamer for Raspberry Pi Pico:

The Kitronik ZIP96 is a fully programmable feature-packed retro-styled handheld gaming solution for the Raspberry Pi Pico. It's fully loaded with awesome features. The ZIP96 features 96 colour fully addressable LEDs arranged in a 12 x 8 display, a buzzer for audio feedback, a vibration motor for haptic feedback, and 6 input buttons (typical use; 4 x directional buttons and 2 x action buttons). It also breaks out GP1, GP11, ADC1 and ADC2, along with a set of 3.3V and GND for each, to standard 0.1” footprints. GP18 to 21 are also broken out on a 0.1” footprint underneath the Pico. The Pico is connected via low-profile 20-way pin sockets.

Kitronik has developed a set of lesson plans for this product, that enables successful Computing lessons at KS3/4 (US equivalent - Grades 6-8/9-10). Though developed for use in the classroom, the ZIP96 Retro Gamer is ideal for anyone who already has a Pico or sees a Pico in their immediate future.

Kitronik has developed a MicroPython module and sample code to support using the ZIP96 Gamer with the Pico. This code is available from our GitHub repo here. The module is available on PyPI in Thonny, details on how to add and manage modules from PyPI in Thonny can be found here.

At a glance:

A feature-packed all-in-one retro-styled handheld gaming solution for the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Packed with awesome features that can be controlled with code for the ultimate handheld pico gaming experience.
The ZIP96 features 96 colour fully addressable LEDs arranged in a 12 x 8 display.
The board features a built-in buzzer for audio feedback and a vibration motor for haptic feedback.
There are 6 input buttons (typical use; 4 x directional buttons and 2 x fire buttons).
It also breaks out GP1, GP11, ADC1 and ADC2, along with a set of 3.3V and GND for each, to standard 0.1” footprints. GP18 to 21 are also broken out on a 0.1” footprint underneath the Pico.
The Pico is connected via pre-fitted low-profile 20-way pin sockets.
Ergonomically placed AA battery holders that power the board AND function as comfortable handgrips.
Kitronik has a Github repo containing MicroPython module and sample code to support using the ZIP96 Gamer with the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Kitronik has produced a set of lesson plans to enable successful Computing lessons at KS3/4 (US equivalent - Grades 6-8/9-10). The Datasheet provides additional usage information, electrical specifications, and dimensions.
The module is available on PyPI in Thonny, details on how to add and manage modules from PyPI in Thonny can be found here.

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How To Order Outside of the UK:

Over the years Kitronik has made many good friends around the world. Some of those good friends are suppliers that help us to reach customers outside of the UK.

The table below shows which of our friends have ZIP96 Gamer either in stock now, or some on the way. To buy from these suppliers, use the Buy locally from a partner section, located under the Add to cart button.