CircuitMess ByteBoi 2.0 FAQ
What is CircuitMess ByteBoi 2.0?
ByteBoi 2.0 is a DIY kit for building your own retro-style, 8-bit handheld games console. You assemble the electronic components yourself and end up with a working console. It arrives with games already loaded, and you can code your own.
What will I learn by building ByteBoi?
How the electronics and the software of a games console fit together. You handle the microcontroller, connect the display and assemble the other components, then write your own games in CircuitBlocks, our visual coding environment. It also works as a controller for the Wheelson robot.
What age range is ByteBoi suitable for?
Recommended age is 9 and up. The parts are small and the assembly is detailed, so younger builders usually want a hand from an adult. The CircuitBlocks coding suits the same age.
Do I need any prior experience to build ByteBoi?
No. The kit is written for people who have never built electronics before, and the build guide takes you through every step in photographs.
How long does it take to build ByteBoi?
About an hour and a half. After that you can play the pre-loaded games or start on your own.
Can I code my own games for ByteBoi?
Yes. CircuitBlocks is the route: drag the blocks together, or switch to Code mode and edit the same program as MicroPython, which is the language CircuitBlocks writes for every device it supports. If you would rather write C++, that is a separate, more advanced route outside CircuitBlocks — see What programming languages can I use with CircuitMess kits? for which route applies to which kit.