Handheld gaming consoles are usually equipped with high-refresh-rate color screens to create an immersive gaming experience. Yet, the soon-to-launch ‘Ink Console,’ set to make its debut on Crowd Supply, is turning this approach on its head. Instead of boasting high frame rates or a flashy OLED display, this intriguing device offers a 7.5-inch e-ink screen with a resolution of 800 x 480. The creators of the Ink Console took a leaf out of the book from classic games and the beloved choose-your-own-adventure stories to bring this gadget to life.
At its core, the Ink Console is an e-reader equipped with an analog joystick, simplifying navigation through gamebook adventures. But there’s more! It also features an accessible development kit, encouraging users to craft their own stories for personal enjoyment or to share with others. Plus, it includes a built-in SD card reader to expand its library with more gamebooks currently in the works.
A unique attribute of the Ink Console is its operating system’s inventory system, allowing users to collect and manage various items to aid them during their quests in the game world. The device even incorporates a health status tracker, making it a fantastic match for text-based role-playing and adventure series.
Driven by nostalgia, the creators designed this e-ink console with a nod to the text adventure books that stole hearts in the ’80s and ’90s, like Zork I and R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. These books, famous for their storylines influenced by reader choices, inspired the digital reimagining aimed to capture a new, younger audience and foster a love for reading.
Delving further into its features, the Ink Console offers digital enhancements like its health and inventory systems, injecting additional layers of complexity that make these adventure books uniquely engaging — a feature that could captivate players of every age bracket.
While the Ink Console may never rival contemporary handheld gaming giants such as the Lenovo Legion Go S or tablets like the iPad, its design focus is clear — it’s built for immersive reading adventures. You’ll be free from the usual distractions of notifications and apps, making it ideal for both young readers and adults who cherish text-based entertainment. As long as it’s priced right, it could be a must-have for fans of a good read.
