The Kitronik :GAME Controller is a handheld gamepad-style accessory for the BBC micro:bit. Slide your micro:bit into the edge connector and you've got a comfortable, two-handed controller with 4 directional buttons, 2 fire buttons, on-board sound, and haptic feedback — all fully programmable through MakeCode (Kitronik provides custom blocks as an extension).
The controller is powered by 2x AA batteries (not included), which also supply power to the attached micro:bit. It's a lighter, more affordable alternative to the :GAME ZIP 64 — the main difference is that it uses the micro:bit's own 5x5 LED matrix instead of a separate ZIP LED screen, which keeps power consumption much lower. Breakout pads on the PCB let you wire up additional shoulder buttons if you want more inputs.
Beyond gaming, the :GAME Controller really shines as a wireless remote for robots and buggies. Program one micro:bit in the controller to send radio commands, and a second micro:bit on your robot to receive them — it's a popular setup in classrooms and maker spaces. The ergonomic shape makes extended use comfortable for younger hands. Compatible with both micro:bit V1 and V2.
Key Features
You'll need
Kitronik
:GAME Controller for micro:bit
The :GAME Controller is a handheld gaming platform for the micro:bit. It's got; programmable buttons, haptic feedback & more. Use it for games or robot co...
The :GAME Controller is a handheld gaming platform for the micro:bit. It's got; programmable buttons, haptic feedback & more. Use it for games or robot control!
The Kitronik :GAME Controller for the BBC micro:bit is a retro gaming accessory for the BBC microbit. It is a programmable gamepad-style controller enabling a better gaming experience on the micro:bit itself, or the ability to control other devices over micro:bit radio.
The :GAME Controller is similar in design and features to the the :GAME ZIP 64, only without the ZIP LED screen. This offers great value if the micro:bits own LED matrix is sufficient for the game or when it will be used to control other devices such as robots and buggies. It will also be much lighter on power consumption than its larger/older sibling.
It features on-board sound, 4 x directional buttons, 2 fire buttons, haptic feedback, and breakout points so shoulder buttons can be added. All of these features are fully programmable. The board is powered by two AA batteries, which also power the attached micro:bit.
The micro:bit connects to the board via the Edge Connector on the :GAME Controller. The micro:bit should be inserted firmly into the edge connector, ensuring that the micro:bit LED display is facing in the same direction as the front of the :GAME Controller.
Note:
- The BBC microbit is NOT included.
- External Channels: Care should be taken when using the external breakouts for pins 19 and 20 as GPIOs, as this can cause issues with the I2C devices on the micro:bit itself (e.g. compass and accelerometer).
Features:
- A hand-held gaming solution for the BBC micro:bit.
- Fully programmable on-board sound, directional buttons, fire buttons, and haptic feedback.
- Breakout pads for adding shoulder buttons.
- Ergonomic design for comfortable game-play.
- It can also be coded to be a controller for your buggy or robotics projects.
- We have created custom code blocks for the MakeCode Editor that are available as an Extension to the editor.
- The board features an on/off switch to power the board on/off or to act as a reset if the :GAME Controller is in an enclosure where the micro:bits own reset switch cannot be accessed.
Contents:
- 1 x :GAME Controller for the BBC microbit.
Dimensions:
- Length: 155mm.
- Width: 60mm.
- Center Width: 30.5mm.
Requires:
- 2 x AA Batteries.
- BBC micro:bit.
- Type-A to Micro-B USB Cable.
- MakeCode Editor.
Resources:
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- I2C
- I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
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Game Controller Datasheet
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Game Controller Quick Start Guide
Quick Start · 2.9 MB · Click any page to view full size
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
