John Nowacky
TinyCircuits, known for its innovative tech creations, is back with another exciting product – the Thumby Color. This handheld gaming device, taking inspiration from the Game Boy Advance, is a game-changer in terms of size, measuring a mere 5cm wide. Don’t let its miniature stature fool you, though, as it is still packed with impressive features and comes preloaded with a selection of vibrant, full-color games.
Unlike other retro gaming handhelds available today, the Thumby Color may not support playing classic games through emulation due to its limited 16MB flash memory. However, it compensates for that by offering a unique gaming experience with its original preinstalled games. These delightful titles include Monstra, a thrilling shooter, Thumbgeon 2, an exciting dungeon crawler, Tag, and the brain-teasing BustAThumb. Additionally, the Thumby Color also includes the beloved suite of games that accompanied the original black and white Thumby.
Despite its size, the Thumby Color manages to incorporate a D-pad, two action buttons on the front, and shoulder buttons on the top left and right. Surprisingly, it even houses a rumble motor within its tiny shell. Charging the device is a breeze through its convenient USB-C port.
The Thumby Color is currently undergoing a successful crowd funding campaign on Kickstarter, surpassing its initial funding target with 32 days remaining at the time of writing. Interested backers have the opportunity to support the project with prices starting from $49 (around £39). The device is expected to ship worldwide from November onwards.
While the standard color option is reminiscent of the original Game Boy Advance – purple, backers can also choose from clear plastic or black variants, which may have a slightly higher cost. Additionally, developers are encouraged to create new games for the Thumby Color, ensuring the potential for an expanding library of exciting titles in the future.
Experience the world of gaming in a new miniature dimension with the Thumby Color. Its compact size and jam-packed features promise hours of entertainment for gaming enthusiasts of all ages.
Additional relevant facts about the Thumby Color:
1. The Thumby Color’s screen size is 1.7 inches.
2. It has a rechargeable battery that provides hours of gameplay.
3. The Thumby Color supports multiplayer gaming, allowing users to connect multiple devices for a shared gaming experience.
4. The device has a high-quality audio output for an immersive gaming experience.
5. It is compatible with TinyCircuits’ wide range of accessories, such as button caps, keychain lanyards, and protective cases.
Important questions and their answers:
1. Can the Thumby Color play classic Game Boy Advance games?
No, the Thumby Color does not support playing classic games through emulation due to its limited flash memory. However, it comes with original preinstalled games and offers the potential for an expanding library of new games.
2. How can the Thumby Color be charged?
The Thumby Color can be easily charged through its convenient USB-C port.
3. Is the Thumby Color available for worldwide shipping?
Yes, the Thumby Color is expected to ship worldwide from November onwards.
Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:
One potential challenge or controversy associated with the Thumby Color could be its limited flash memory, which may limit the compatibility with classic games. Some gamers who are looking for a retro gaming experience may find this disappointing.
Advantages of the Thumby Color:
1. Compact size: The Thumby Color’s miniature stature makes it highly portable and easy to carry around.
2. Unique gaming experience: With its original preinstalled games, the Thumby Color offers a unique gaming experience different from other retro gaming handhelds.
3. Vibrant full-color display: Unlike many retro gaming devices, the Thumby Color comes with a vibrant full-color screen for a visually appealing gaming experience.
4. Customizability: Backers have the option to choose from different color variants and developers can create new games, allowing for personalization and potential expansion of the device’s library.
Disadvantages of the Thumby Color:
1. Limited flash memory: The Thumby Color’s limited 16MB flash memory may hinder compatibility with classic games or limit the number of games that can be installed.
2. Small screen size: The 1.7-inch screen size may not provide the same level of visual immersion as larger gaming devices.
3. Potential higher cost for different color variants: Clear plastic or black variants may have a slightly higher cost than the standard purple color option.
