A distinctive gaming wearable named the Retro Gaming Watch has been unveiled by an American start-up.
This innovative gadget, which resembles a miniature Game Boy SP, can be worn on the wrist and opened to enjoy classic games. Seeking financial support for the device, Jason Rogers, the creator of the Retro Gaming Watch, has initiated a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.
Innovation on Your Wrist
Beyond a mere timepiece, the Retro Gaming Watch serves as a compact gaming console. When not in gaming mode, the watch's screen can be rotated to unveil a miniature console. It comes equipped with both hardware and software to replicate vintage games. This device provides a unique gaming experience that can be savored while on the move.
Technical Specifications and Attributes
Although primarily intended for gaming, the Retro Gaming Watch also operates as a functional watch. It showcases a small display for essential watch functions and a 1.54-inch 320 x 320 pixels internal LCD boasting a 60Hz refresh rate, specially optimized for gaming. Featuring four action buttons, a D-Pad, a magnetometer, an accelerometer, and a single speaker, the watch is a blend of versatility and entertainment.
Internally, the Retro Gaming Watch is fueled by a Renesas/Dialog DA14706 chip housing a 160MHz application processor. Additionally, it integrates two ARM Cortex-MD processors dedicated to sensors and Bluetooth connectivity. The device impressively hosts a 2D GPU, 1.5MB of internal memory, and 8MB of external QSPI RAM. Noteworthy is its Efinix T20 FPGA, facilitating the creation of custom video game hardware with unique cores to emulate popular 8- and 16-bit consoles. This positions the Retro Gaming Watch as an ideal platform for playing emulated classic games, with the FPGA handling most processor tasks.
Battery Life and Price Points
When utilized as a smartwatch, the Retro Gaming Watch offers a battery life of up to two days. Nonetheless, for 2D gaming sessions, users can expect a playtime ranging from 2 to 4 hours.
Regarding pricing and availability, funding for the Retro Gaming Watch is currently pursued through a Kickstarter drive. Early supporters can secure their unit for as low as $159. The leading supporters are slated to receive their watches by November 2024.
Shaping the Future of the Retro Gaming Watch
The trajectory of the Retro Gaming Watch will be shaped by the success of the Kickstarter campaign. A successful campaign is likely to result in a machined steel body for the device. Conversely, inadequate funding may lead to the production of the console with an injection-molded plastic body. For backers pledging $350, beta testing opportunities are open, with the estimated delivery of the watch set for March 2024.
