Adafruit
Adafruit PyBadge Starter Kit
Get up and running with the Adafruit PyBadge instantly with this complete starter kit. It includes the full-featured PyBadge board, a rechargeable battery, l...
Get up and running with the Adafruit PyBadge instantly with this complete starter kit. It includes the full-featured PyBadge board, a rechargeable battery, lanyard, and USB cable — everything you need for a portable gaming handheld, electronic name badge, or versatile development platform.
The PyBadge is powered by the ATSAMD51 (ARM Cortex-M4 at 120 MHz) with 512 KB flash, 192 KB RAM, and 2 MB QSPI flash for storing images, fonts, sounds, and game assets. It features a 1.8" colour TFT display, D-pad, action buttons, 5 NeoPixels, a LIS3DH accelerometer, piezo buzzer, and a light sensor — all in a credit-card-sized form factor. Program it with MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython, or Arduino.
What's Included
- Adafruit PyBadge – Full-featured MakeCode Arcade / CircuitPython / Arduino badge with 1.8" TFT display
- 420 mAh LiPo Battery – 3.7 V lithium-ion polymer battery with short cable for portable power
- Double-Hook Lanyard – Adafruit black lanyard to wear the PyBadge around your neck
- USB A to Micro-B Cable – 1 m (3 ft) cable for charging and programming
Key Features
- ATSAMD51 Processor – 120 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 with 512 KB flash and 192 KB RAM
- 2 MB QSPI Flash – On-board storage for images, fonts, sounds, and game assets
- 1.8" Colour TFT Display – 160×128 pixel screen for games and graphics
- 5 NeoPixels – Individually addressable RGB LEDs on the front
- LIS3DH Accelerometer – Triple-axis motion sensing for tilt and tap detection
- Feather Compatible – Feather headers and JST STEMMA connectors for expandability
- MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython & Arduino – Full support for all three platforms
Also Consider
- PyBadge (Board Only) – The standalone board if you already have accessories
- PyBadge Low Cost Starter Kit – Budget-friendly version without accelerometer, Feather headers, or STEMMA connectors
- PyBadge LC (Board Only) – The low-cost board without accessories
Ideal For
- Retro gaming handhelds with MakeCode Arcade
- Electronic conference and event name badges
- Motion-sensing games and interactive projects
- CircuitPython and Arduino learning
- Workshop kits, classroom packs, and gifts
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- ARM Cortex-M4
- A 32-bit processor core commonly used inside microcontrollers for running embedded programs. It matters because it gives the micro:bit enough processing power for sensors, Bluetooth, sound, and classroom coding projects.
- CircuitPython
- A beginner-friendly version of Python designed to run directly on microcontroller boards. If a product supports CircuitPython, you can often program it by copying code files onto the board rather than setting up a more complex toolchain.
- Headers
- Rows of metal pins used to plug a module into a breadboard or connect it with jumper wires. Pre-soldered headers make the module easier to use straight away without needing to solder the pins yourself.
- LiPo
- A lithium polymer rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics projects. It matters because LiPo batteries need correct charging circuitry and care, and this board includes hardware intended for that battery type.
- LIS3DH
- A specific low-power 3-axis accelerometer chip made by STMicroelectronics. Knowing the chip part number helps you find the correct datasheet, libraries, wiring details, and limits such as its safe voltage range.
- RAM
- RAM is temporary memory used while a device is running, and its contents are lost when power is removed. A “Run in RAM” mode is useful for testing settings without permanently programming the module, but it may not support every feature.
- RGB
- Short for red, green and blue, usually referring to an LED that can mix those three colours. It matters because controlling an RGB LED teaches how separate outputs combine to create different colours.
- STEMMA
- A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.
- TFT
- A thin-film transistor display is a common type of colour LCD used for graphics screens. Knowing a product is for TFTs helps you check that the driver board matches the display’s connector, resolution, backlight, and signalling method.
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Brands
Microcontrollers
STEM & Education
Related Tutorials
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