The Flipper Zero digital multi-tool already has tons of makes use of, from hacking to controlling dwelling methods. Now it could possibly even play video games, due to a partnership with Raspberry Pi. This comes within the type of a brand new add-on for the gadget, appropriately referred to as the Video Sport Module.
The module is powered by the Raspberry Pi-developed RP2040 microcontroller and it could possibly run video games programmed in C, C++ and MicroPython. To swimsuit the quirkiness of Flipper’s gadget, nonetheless, the module goes a number of steps additional. It options sensors for hand-tracking, a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer, so video games can embody tilt and shake functionalities.
Now, chances are you’ll be questioning why you’ll play actual video games on the Flipper Zero’s teensy-tiny display. The 1.4-inch monochrome show may fit for the hacking minigame usually related to the gadget, however would seemingly battle with something past that. Fortunately, the Video Sport Module permits for video output to exterior shows.
In different phrases, the module’s suite of sensors mixed with the video output turns the Flipper Zero itself right into a controller, with the sport being performed on an precise display. It’ll be actually cool to see what the open supply neighborhood does with this factor. It may find yourself just like the famously-derided Ouya console solely, you already know, good.
That is the most recent Flipper Zero module and programmers will seemingly have a area day experimenting with the {hardware}. There’s a built-in USB-C connector to interface with the microcontroller for making adjustments and the entire thing can truly work by itself, with none want to connect with Flipper’s gadget. Consider it as one-part Flipper module and one-part Pico-type gadget with an onboard IMU.
Alex Kulagin, founder and COO of Flipper Units, hopes that this accent will “unlock new methods of utilizing Flipper Zero” and “bridge the hole between retro-gaming nostalgia and cutting-edge analysis.” The Video Sport Module prices $49 and the Flipper Zero prices $169.
Gaming is simply the most recent use for the Flipper Zero. This digital Swiss military knife was initially pitched as a multi-tool for hackers, nevertheless it’s totally open supply and is able to interacting with gadgets by way of IR, NFC, RFID, Bluetooth and bodily connections. Customers have turned these cute Dolphin-inspired devices into common remotes, key fob testers, GameShark-like dishonest gadgets and far more. They will additionally unlock sure safes, however you didn’t hear that from us.