E-ink technology meets interactive storytelling in new hybrid handheld console – TechSpot

Something to look forward to: E-ink technology has come a long way over the last few years. We’re now seeing displays with 60Hz refresh rates and color e-ink monitors, but this latest device is something new: a hybrid handheld console that uses an e-ink screen. It’s not going to be a rival for the Switch, but it’s still a unique item that should appeal to fans of retro text-based games. The device, aptly called the Ink Console, features a 7.5-inch e-ink screen with an 800 x 480 resolution. Powered by an ESP32-D0WDQ6 dual-core 32-bit microprocessor and featuring 4MB of flash memory, it’s described as a hybrid of a traditional e-reader and a game console.Because of the limitations of the e-ink tech, the console is designed for interactive stories inspired by old text-based games and choose-your-own-adventure books. The crowdfunding page gives examples such as the original Zork and The Hobbit for the ZX Spectrum – a game and home computer this writer fondly recalls – as the kind of titles the Ink Console could offer.There are currently a number of concept Gamebooks being developed for the Ink Console. They promise “thrilling expeditions and deep-sea adventures to immersive sci-fi narratives and fantasy epics in fantastical realms.” Gamebooks can be added via the built-in SD card reader.As for how the games play: users will be prompted to make choices at key moments in the story, shaping their journey. The OS features an inventory system for viewing and managing collected items, and some games will have a health status system.There will also be a “You Create” Software Development Kit for the Ink Console so users can build their own interactive stories for the machine, and with no coding experience required.The rest of the specs include 8MP of PSRAM in the form of an integrated in-module, which is said to be ideal for applications requiring higher memory, like graphics or complex audio processing. There’s also 520KB of SRAM, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 4.2, LE, an analog joystick, and a potentiometer for adjusting settings and controls.The Ink Console also comes with a built-in mono speaker, stereo headphone jack, a 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery, and a Micro-USB port for charging.Developer Dana Puch, the founder of Ink Console-maker Singular 9, will be launching a Crowd Supply crowdfunding campaign for the device on March 1. Once the campaign ends, there are plans to make the console entirely open source for anyone who wants to make modifications, and STEP files will be available for case customizations and add-ons – Puch suggests an external mini keyboard, which could allow a more classic text-based-adventure experience.Loved community: Would you consider an external, attachable mini keyboard-type module for conversational games in Ink Console? Being open source, hardware could be created for a multitude of other ideas. I love games that require entering written instructions (example image) pic.twitter.com/LTvIyCbAjTTECHSPOT : Tech Enthusiasts, Power Users, GamersTechSpot is a registered trademark. About Us Ethics Statement Terms of Use Privacy Policy Change Ad Consent Advertise© 1998 – 2025 TechSpot, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Source: https://www.techspot.com/news/106799-e-ink-technology-meets-interactive-storytelling-new-hybrid.html