Meet the Thumby Color: The Tiny GBA Clone with a 0.85-Inch Screen

The Innovative Thumby Color: A Tiny Gaming Marvel

The gaming world has seen its fair share of technological advancements, but TinyCircuits has taken a bold step in redefining portability with the Thumby Color. This compact GBA clone measures a mere two inches, managing to incorporate a range of features without sacrificing functionality.

Design and Features

Despite its small size, the Thumby Color is equipped with:

• A directional pad for intuitive gameplay
• Shoulder buttons for enhanced controls
• A rumble motor for an immersive gaming experience
• A vibrant 16-bit color screen

One standout feature is its multiplayer compatibility, allowing two devices to connect via a USB-C cable for shared gaming experiences.

Limitations of the Thumby Color

Unlike many other handheld gaming devices, the Thumby Color does not function as an emulator. It falls short in processing power, lacking the capability to play actual GBA games. Instead, it's powered by a 150MHz Raspberry Pi RP2350 processor and offers just 16MB of storage for games.

Given its 0.85-inch square LCD screen with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, which pales in comparison to the GBA's capabilities, the device is more suited for light, casual gaming rather than long marathon sessions.

Gaming Experience

Games for the Thumby Color are designed using MicroPython. The device comes pre-installed with six open-source titles, including:

• Monstra: A unique first-person shooter
• Thumbgeon 2: A dungeon crawler

Additionally, it includes all the monochromatic games that accompanied the original Thumby released in 2021.

Learning Through Gaming

The Thumby Color serves not just as a gaming device but also as a stepping stone into the world of programming. TinyCircuits offers free tutorials and guides available on their website, making it an ideal tool for those looking to learn with a hands-on approach.

Kickstarter Campaign for the Thumby Color

The Thumby Color is currently being crowdfunded through a Kickstarter campaign. The pricing structure is as follows:

• $49: Purple version with shipping expected by November
• $55: Clear or transparent purple housing
• $75: Exclusive black version of the Thumby Color

While the original Thumby retails for $42, this new version does present a more colorful and feature-rich approach. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with crowdfunding, as the actual delivery of the product isn't always guaranteed and may face delays.

Conclusion

In summary, the Thumby Color represents a blend of nostalgia and modern technology, appealing to gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a unique portable gaming experience or a way to dip your toes into programming, TinyCircuits’ innovation showcases how small can be powerful.