# ESPboy

> handheld video game console

**Wikidata**: [Q114562179](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114562179)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/espboy

## Summary
ESPboy is an open-source handheld video game console and hardware development platform powered by the ESP8266 processor. Originating from Russia, the device is designed to be a low-cost, hacker-friendly tool for retro gaming and software development, with do-it-yourself kits starting at approximately $12.

## Key Facts
- **Instance Type:** Handheld game console model and open-source project.
- **Processor:** Equipped with an ESP8266 CPU.
- **Cost:** Priced at approximately $12 for a "do it yourself" kit and $99 for a pre-assembled unit.
- **Origin:** Created in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
- **Release:** The project was published in 2019.
- **Classification:** Subclass of open hardware and handheld game consoles.
- **Online Presence:** Official website is espboy.com; GitHub username is ESPboy-edu.
- **Community:** Maintains a presence on Twitter under the handle @espboy_edu.

## FAQs
### Q: How much does the ESPboy cost?
A: The ESPboy offers two primary pricing tiers: approximately $12 for a do-it-yourself (DIY) kit and $99 for a fully assembled unit.

### Q: What processor does the ESPboy use?
A: The ESPboy is powered by the ESP8266 processor, making it suitable for IoT and retro gaming applications.

### Q: Is the ESPboy open source?
A: Yes, the ESPboy is classified as an open-source project and open hardware, meaning the design documents are accessible and modifiable by the public.

## Why It Matters
The ESPboy represents a significant stride in the democratization of hardware technology, bridging the gap between retro gaming nostalgia and modern electronics education. As a piece of open hardware, it distinguishes itself from proprietary consumer electronics by inviting users to modify, hack, and build upon the original design. This approach lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring developers and hardware engineers, offering a practical, hands-on platform for learning software development and circuit design.

By utilizing the widely available ESP8266 chip, the device provides an affordable entry point—starting at roughly $12—compared to commercial development boards or closed-source gaming consoles. Its creation in 2019 provided the maker community with a versatile "multitool" that functions not just as a gaming device but as a STEM education aid. The project highlights the growing trend of "edutainment" hardware, where the value lies not only in the product's immediate function but in the skills acquired through its assembly and programming.

## Notable For
- **Extreme Affordability:** Offers a functional handheld development platform for as low as $12 USD.
- **Open Hardware Philosophy:** Design documents are fully open and modifiable, fostering a community-driven ecosystem.
- **ESP8266 Integration:** Utilizes the popular ESP8266 microcontroller, favored for its Wi-Fi capabilities and low cost in the IoT sector.
- **DIY Focus:** Specifically marketed as a "do it yourself" kit, encouraging user assembly and modification.

## Body
### Hardware and Specifications
The ESPboy is built around the **ESP8266** CPU, a popular choice for Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems projects. This integration allows the handheld to serve as a multi-tool for software development as well as a retro gaming console. The device falls under the classification of **open hardware**, ensuring that the schematics and design files are available to the public.

### Cost and Availability
The project offers distinct pricing models to suit different levels of expertise:
- **DIY Kit:** Priced at approximately **$12 USD**, this option is intended for users who wish to assemble the console themselves.
- **Assembled Unit:** Priced at approximately **$99 USD**, this version comes pre-assembled for immediate use.

### Origins and Development
The ESPboy originated in **Saint Petersburg, Russia**, and was first published in **2019**. It is managed as an open-source project, with active repositories maintained under the GitHub username **ESPboy-edu**. The project has been featured in various maker community outlets, including Hackster.io and Hackaday.

### Online Presence
The project maintains an active digital footprint to support its user base:
- **Website:** [espboy.com](https://www.espboy.com/)
- **Social Media:** Twitter handle **@espboy_edu** (active since April 2019).
- **Media:** Images and related files are categorized under "ESPboy" on Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.espboy.com/)
2. [Source](https://www.hackster.io/news/espboy2-takes-the-chunky-original-esp8266-powered-handheld-and-slims-it-down-considerably-842b767356c2)
3. [Source](https://www.hackster.io/news/espboy-is-a-12-open-source-and-hacker-friendly-retro-game-console-36a934b29d81)
4. [Source](https://hackaday.io/project/164830-espboy-retrogamingsoftware-development-mulitool)