Handheld gaming consoles typically boast high-refresh-rate color screens to provide gamers with a truly immersive experience. But the new ‘Ink Console,’ gearing up for its debut on Crowd Supply, is taking a different route to draw players in. Rather than focusing on high FPS stats or an OLED display, this device features a 7.5-inch e-ink screen with an 800 x 480 resolution. According to Ink Console, the inspiration stems from classic games and choose-your-own-adventure books.
At its core, the Ink Console functions as an e-reader equipped with an analog joystick for smoother gamebook navigation. Moreover, it includes a user-friendly development kit, enabling users to craft their own adventures either for personal enjoyment or to share with others. It also supports an SD card reader, allowing expansion by adding Gamebooks that are still in the works.
One intriguing feature of the Ink Console is its integrated inventory system within the operating system. This feature lets players gather and manage various items to use throughout their gaming journey, complete with a health status system tailor-made for text-based role-playing and adventure games.
The creator of this e-ink gaming console drew inspiration from text adventure books that were all the rage in the 1980s and 1990s, such as ‘Zork I’ and R.L. Stine’s ‘Goosebumps’ series. These literary works allowed the story’s outcome to hinge on the reader’s choices. With this e-ink device, these classics are being reimagined into digital interactive formats, introducing them to younger audiences and nurturing a love for reading.
Additionally, features like the health status and inventory systems could enhance these digital narratives, offering a fuller, more complex experience. The adventure books become more captivating, potentially appealing to both young readers and those young at heart.
While the Ink Console won’t rival the newest handheld gaming giants like the Lenovo Legion Go S or tablets like the iPad, it is intentionally designed for adventure reading. Without the usual distractions of notifications or apps, it serves as an ideal option for both kids and adults who relish reading and text-centric fun—provided it’s offered at the right price.
