Kitronik ZIP96 Retro Gamer for Raspberry Pi Pico

The Kitronik ZIP96 is an amazing, fully programmable retro - style handheld gaming solution designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi Pico. It's jam - packed with fantastic features! The 96 - LED display allows you to have full control with code, delivering a complete and immersive gaming experience. Kitronik has crafted a set of lesson plans for this product, making it perfect for successful Computing lessons in KS3/4 (equivalent to Grades 6 - 8/9 - 10 in the US). Although it's great for the classroom, the ZIP96 Retro Gamer is also ideal for anyone who owns a Pico or plans to get one soon. The ZIP96 comes with 96 color - addressable LEDs arranged in a 12 x 8 display. There's a buzzer for audio feedback and a vibration motor for haptic feedback. It has 6 input buttons (usually 4 directional and 2 action buttons). It also breaks out GP1, GP11, ADC1, and ADC2, along with 3.3V and GND, to standard 0.1” footprints. GP18 to 21 are broken out on a 0.1” footprint under the Pico. The Pico connects via low - profile 20 - way pin sockets. To use the ZIP96 Gamer, your Pico needs a soldered pin header and should be firmly inserted into the connector. Note that the ZIP96 doesn't come with a Pico, but you can buy a Pico with soldered headers separately. The Pico pins will slightly stick through the board due to the low - profile pin sockets. Power is supplied by 3 individual AA battery holders, which are ergonomically placed on the underside of the board to serve as hand grips, making it comfortable to hold and play. Kitronik has developed a MicroPython module and sample code to support using the ZIP96 Gamer with the Pico. You can get this code from our GitHub repo, and the module is available on PyPI in Thonny. Check out the details on how to add and manage modules from PyPI in Thonny on our website.

Using the Kitronik ZIP96 Retro Gamer is easy! First, make sure your Raspberry Pi Pico has a soldered pin header. Then, firmly insert the Pico into the connector on the ZIP96. Remember, the ZIP96 doesn't come with a Pico, so you'll need to get one separately. Once the Pico is in place, you'll notice the pins sticking through the board a bit because of the low - profile pin sockets. Next, pop 3 AA batteries into the battery holders on the underside of the board. These holders are designed to be hand grips, so it'll feel really comfortable when you hold and play. Now for the fun part - coding! Kitronik has created a MicroPython module and sample code for you. You can find the code on our GitHub repo. The module is available on PyPI in Thonny. Just follow the instructions on our website to add and manage the module. You're all set to start creating your own games on the 96 - LED display, and enjoy audio and haptic feedback. A few things to note: This handheld gamer comes fully assembled. All you need to do is add power, a Pico, and some code. When it comes to maintenance, keep the device clean and dry. Avoid dropping it or exposing it to extreme temperatures. If you're using it in a classroom setting, make sure students handle it with care.