PocketByte is a modular gaming handheld, music player, and PDA
A 16-year-old hobbyist from Canada has developed PocketByte, one of the most unusual handhelds of the year. That’s because the device features a modular input module that can be swapped out as desired to customize the gadget’s functionality.
With the gamepad module, PocketByte becomes a retro handheld that supports, among other things, games originally developed for the Nintendo Game Boy Color, the Super Nintendo, or the Sega Genesis. With a music player module, PocketByte is enhanced with a click wheel in the style of the Apple iPod Classic. A keyboard module turns the device into a PDA, which can be used, for example, to take notes or send emails.
Apart from the magnetic expansion port, the hardware is relatively simple. The 2.8-inch IPS panel has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The ESP32-S3 processor is paired with 8 MB of RAM and a microSD slot supporting up to 32 GB of flash storage. The 1,500 mAh battery is said to allow for "several hours" of gaming and is charged via USB-C. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard features, as are a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a mono speaker. The PocketbyteOS operating system is open source.
Pricing and availability
Orders for PocketByte will open over the course of the summer via the manufacturer’s website, with a limited number of developer kits being shipped first, before a revised version is offered in larger quantities. The final price has not yet been determined, but PocketByte is expected to cost between $70 and $100.
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