History of video games/Platforms/Thumby

Development


Thumby was preceeded by the TinyDuino line, specifically by the portable TinyPocket.

The system was developed and produced in Akron, Ohio.

An early Thumby was first show as a personal project at Bay Area Mini Maker Faire in May of 2016. In April of 2021 the device was redesigned to use the newly released RP2040 processor.

Launch
A kickstarter for the device launched on September 28th, 2021.

Despite supply chain challenges caused by the chip shortage in 2021, enough parts were procured to produce 10,000 units by October 2021.

The hardware was made open source under the GPL V3 in 2022.

Compute
The Thumby is based on an RP2040 microcontroller.

Hardware
The system can function for approximately 2 hours on an integrated 40 milliamp hour hour lithium polymer battery.

The system measures at 29.5 mm by 18 mm by 8.5 mm.

The Thumby uses a display with a resolution of 70 pixels by 40 pixels.

At least two revisions of the Thumby were shipped - Revision 5, and a quicker to assemble Revision 6.

Software
The Thumby was designed to be easy to program, and offers a python programming option via a browser.

Design Philosophy
This console was noted by LowSpecGamer for following a similar design philosophy as the original Game Boy, using mature and inexpensive technology to create an innovative experience. This philosophy is properly known as "Lateral thinking with withered technology".