The Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 is the ultimate handheld gaming platform for the BBC micro:bit. It combines a comfortable gamepad layout — 4 directional buttons, 2 fire buttons, on-board sound, and haptic feedback — with an 8x8 full-colour RGB LED screen (64 individually addressable ZIP LEDs). This gives you a proper pixel display for retro-style games, well beyond what the micro:bit's own 5x5 LED matrix can offer.
Power comes from 3x AA batteries (not included), which are housed in ergonomically shaped grips that make the unit comfortable to hold during extended play. Breakout pads on the PCB let you add shoulder buttons or connect I2C devices, and there are breakout points for connecting larger external LED screens if you want to scale up. All of the micro:bit's own features — accelerometer, compass, LED matrix, radio — remain fully accessible when it's plugged in.
The :GAME ZIP 64 is programmable through MakeCode (Kitronik provides custom extension blocks) and comes with downloadable example games so you can start playing immediately. It's also a great platform for learning game development — students can code their own games from scratch. Beyond gaming, it works well as a wireless controller for robots and buggies using micro:bit radio. If you don't need the RGB LED screen and want something lighter and more affordable, check out the :GAME Controller instead. Compatible with micro:bit V1 and V2.
Key Features
You'll need
Kitronik
:GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC micro:bit
Python Fix Now In Beta: Good News: The fix has now been added to a beta version of the Python editor for testing. Please note that although the fix is be...
Python Fix Now In Beta:
- Good News: The fix has now been added to a beta version of the Python editor for testing.
- Please note that although the fix is believed to be good, this is a beta release and therefore may contain bugs.
- If you find any bugs or quirky behaviour, please report it to the micro:bit Python team, or let us know and we will pass it on.
- You can access the beta test editor at http://python.microbit.org/v/beta.
Important Customer Notice:
- Although the GAME ZIP 64 is fully functional with MakeCode, we are sorry to advise you that a software issue means that the Game ZIP 64 LED matrix is not currently working with MicroPython.
- MicroPython communicates with the LEDs in a slightly different way to MakeCode, and Kitronik is working with the MicroPython community to resolve the software issue.
- A software solution has been proposed which we believe will be available shortly. Please keep checking the website for updates.
- To re-iterate, the GAME ZIP 64 will work with MakeCode. Therefore, if MakeCode is your preferred method of coding you can still enjoy this ultimate retro gaming accessory for the BBC micro:bit prior to the MicroPython runtime solution being rolled out. The updated runtime will be included in the various available editors.
- Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this delay may cause you.
Product Description:
The Kitronik :GAME ZIP 64 is the ultimate retro gaming accessory for the BBC microbit. It has been designed to be an all in one hand held gaming platform, which also includes a built in, 64 (8x8) individually addressable full colour ZIP LED, screen.
It features on-board sound, 4 x directional buttons, 2 fire buttons, haptic feedback, and breakout points so shoulder buttons or I2C devices can be added. All of these features are fully programmable. We have also included breakout points to allow for the use of larger LED screens.
All of microbits features are still available when plugged in to the :GAME ZIP 64, so your games can still make use of the LED matrix, accelerometer etc.
Power is provided via the built in 3 x AA battery cages which have been ergonomically placed to act as hand grips which makes the :GAME ZIP 64 comfortable to hold and play.
We have produced some example games in both MakeCode Blocks and MicroPython that can be freely downloaded from the resources section below so you can begin playing games straight away. If you prefer to code your own games, it also offers the perfect platform for developing and testing micro:bit games.
For illustration purposes only. The cartridges are shown with a :GAME in a custom case that is not included.
The Kitronik MI:pro protector cases can be used to create a game 'cartridge' that can be labeled and that will not only protect the microbit from damage, but also from accidental overwriting.
Note:
- The BBC microbit is NOT included.
Features:
- All in one hand-held gaming solution for the BBC micro:bit.
- 64 individually addressable ZIP LED display screen.
- Fully programmable on-board sound, directional buttons, fire buttons, and haptic feedback.
- Breakout pads for adding shoulder buttons or I2C devices.
- Breakout pads for driving larger LED screens.
- Ergonomic design for comfortable game-play.
- Use MI:pro protector cases to create a handy game cartridge.
- It can also be coded to be a controller for your buggy or robotics projects.
Contents:
- 1 x :GAME ZIP 64 for the BBC microbit.
Video:
Requires:
- 3 x AA Batteries.
- 1 x microbit.
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.
- MicroPython
- A version of the Python programming language made to run on microcontrollers. It matters because it lets beginners write readable code to control LEDs, sensors, motors and displays without needing to start with lower-level languages.
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