Here is an e-reader device that can also double up as a retro game console. No matter how weird that might sound though such a device is indeed in the making. The basic idea behind such a device is to let users play games while also catching up on some serious reading as well. For this, Ink Console, as the device is named, comes with a 7.5-inch e-paper display with 800 x 480 pixels resolution. The device is being designed by Singular 9 and plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the same sometime soon.
It is going to be a fun device where you will always have the chance to catch up with some interactive games whenever you need a break from your reading. Similarly, you can get back to your reading when you think you have had enough of games. The OS which the developer said is going to be made open source is going to be designed to serve the dual purpose of gaming as well as reading.
For instance, there is going to be an inventory system that the users will have at their disposal. The inventory system will contain items collected during gameplay. Users will be able to view and manage such items and make good of them to deal with suitable challenges that arise during gameplay. Plus, there is also going to be a health status system that the players will have to be wary of to ensure efficient game playing.
Singular 9 further stated there is going to be a development kit named ‘You Create’ available to the players as well. The kit will let users program their own adventures even if they don’t have any prior experience with coding or any programming languages. The developer said they aim to encourage people to develop their own gamebooks as well. Those can be added using the SD Card reader that the device comes integrated with.
Coming to its specs, the Ink Console comes with a dual-core ESP32 microprocessor having 4 MB of flash memory, 8 MB of PSRAM, and a 520 KB SRAM. As already stated, there is going to be an SD Card slot as well to add more storage. The device will have support for Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 4.2, and LE.
There is also going to be an analog joystick for navigation and gameplay while a potentiometer will let users have fine controls for delicate adjustments. For sound, there is going to be a built-in mono speaker, a 2-channel stereo output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. A 5000 mAh battery will keep the device alive and should be good enough to last several days comfortably.
Ink Console is slated to make its debut on the crowdfunding platform Crowd Supply on March 1, 2025.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.