Handheld gaming devices usually try to captivate gamers with high-refresh-rate, vibrant color screens, aiming for an immersive play experience. But here comes the ‘Ink Console’—an innovation that dares to be different. Soon to make its debut on Crowd Supply, this console opts out of the usual high FPS and OLED screen trend. Instead, it features a 7.5-inch e-ink display with a resolution of 800 x 480. The creators drew inspiration from both classic video games and choose-your-own-adventure books to bring this concept to life.
At heart, the Ink Console is an e-reader combined with an analog joystick to simplify navigation through interactive gamebooks. It’s equipped with a user-friendly development kit, empowering creative minds to design custom adventures. Moreover, with a built-in SD card reader, you can easily expand your library by adding new gamebooks as they are developed.
A standout feature of the Ink Console is its inventory management system, integrated right into the operating system. This allows players to collect and utilize items throughout their text-based adventures. Complementing this is a health status system, optimized for more immersive role-playing experiences.
The initial spark for this e-ink gaming console came from the nostalgia of text adventure books from the 1980s and 1990s. Think along the lines of classics like Zork I or R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps where readers’ choices drive the narrative. The intent is to breathe digital life into these stories, engaging a new generation and nurturing a passion for reading and storytelling.
By incorporating digital elements like inventory and health tracking, the Ink Console aims to deepen the gaming and reading experience. The inclusion of these features is hoped to lure both young enthusiasts and mature nostalgic fans alike.
Even though the Ink Console won’t rival the powerhouses like Lenovo’s Legion Go S or a tech-savvy tablet like the iPad, it’s a niche device. Its sole focus on adventure reading minimizes distractions from notifications or apps, making it a perfect fit for book and text game lovers of all ages—as long as it hits a price point that matches its value.
