8BitCADE Original | DIY Retro Games Console for Young Adults | Learn To Solder & Code Arduino | Build Your Own Handheld Games Console & Play Retro Games Electronics Kit For Any Gamer

This is a super bit of kit that can introduce kids or those looking to gain an insight into how electronics are assembled, engineered and coded.Featuring all the necessary components to build and create your own games console, what more could a budding young electronics engineer need? Well you'll actually need some basic skill of soldering and the tools required to solder so bear this in mind when getting the kit.I think at just under £50 at time of review is a little bit pricey to be honest but you do get the online support and tutorials needed to build your games console as well as learning how to code the thing.It arrived in a relatively small box with everything there and upon inspection there was no issues with the components.This kit is suitable for kids over 7yrs old and this could be a nice gift for dad and son to spend some time together to build and have fun with which is what my intention will be and help my boy with his finer motor skills. I have the soldering iron and other bits, I just need the time now to spend with him to make a start on the kit that I'm sure he's going to love coding and putting his own games on there. It's not going to replace his love of the ps4 that's for sure but what this kit does is open his mind to how electronics work and may just find he wants to pursue a career one day in this field.Let's face it, technology is rapidly changing nowadays and getting kids into this type of interest could serve them well in the future.

I'm pretty adapt at constructing retro gaming machines, having had lots of raspberry pi's, odroid and other single board computers along with several purpose built arcade machine cabinets and virtual pinball machines.So why bother with this?Well this is a complete fiddly build using an Arduino based board, which is something i have never tried and my eyes aren't what they used to be, so i have added my backlit stabilised magnifier to my toolkit and this was a good test for both that and it.Arrived in a box suitable for gifting, along with the included bagged contents.Rather like any model kit, make sure you have everything beforehand and commencing construction.ConclusionBuild was relatively easy to complete, as expected i required my backlit magnifier as my eyes ain't what they used to be, so bear that in mind if you're progressing in years.Tutorials were decent with simple easy to follow step by step instructions, i didn't bother with the video tutorials for the build, just grabbed the .pdf.Games are simple enough to download and install on the connected device, though are obviously a little basic, but remember you bought this for the build with the prospect of some ongoing gaming being a bonus.More advanced retro gaming options can be found elsewhere for a similar price, but this is aimed squarely at the fun of the build and it's hardware. If you like to ongoing tinker with emulation and software and ain't too bothered about constructing the hardware first, a pi or odroid is probably a better option.Recommended as a project for the younger enthusiast

The Build Your Own Handheld Games Console is a fun and engaging DIY kit that allows users to create their own portable gaming device. This kit is a great option for anyone interested in electronics, gaming, or DIY projects.The kit comes with all the necessary components, including a circuit board, screen, buttons, and battery. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the process of building the console is straightforward, even for those with little experience in electronics.One of the standout features of this kit is its flexibility. The console can be customized with different types of games, and users can even create their own games using programming software. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to explore the world of game development and programming.The console itself is well-designed and easy to use. The screen is bright and clear, and the buttons are responsive and tactile. The battery life is also impressive, providing several hours of gaming on a single charge.

This is a very interesting stem kit. The idea that it teaches your child skills such as soldering and digital programming in a basic manner.The kit itself comes with specific electronic components to build a small.hand held electronic game, including resistors, computer chips, small speaker leds and buttons all of which you are required to solder onto a printed circuit board.The instructions are pretty comprehensive but do lack a little detail and require reading a number of times.This kit is designed for children but even as an adult I had trouble in putting this together. The ability to solder requires very small accuratetools to ensure connections do not bridge and short circuit.It took me around 5 hours to.out this together only to find out at the last stage the final battery connection not as described or a part was missing. Once using a work around to connection was extremely disappointing despite best efforts and 2 people trying to put this together it did not work. The lights were on but the screen did not work.The kit itself seems good quality and very well made but feel that this is beyond the ability of most children and very accurate soldering iron is certainly needed as compone to are so small to solder.Interesting to try and build, but would not buy again.

I passed this onto my nephew who is 10, he was instantly excited by the prospect of building his own little console. I must admit I looked at it and was instantly confused, but together we worked it out and helped each other assemble it. There are no instructions included, so be aware you should visit the product website for a guide on how to build and use it, took us 20 minutes to work that out! Other than that its a good educational device that ends off in fun!