KittenBot Newbit Arcade Shield, Create Game on Makecode Arcade STEM Education, Expansion Board for Micro:bit V2 (Micro:bit Not Included)

The media could not be loaded. This is an excellent addition to Micro:bit v2 (sold separately, costs $20-25) that enables your child to get started with simple game programming. It is quite fun, but the initial setup requires some adult supervision and support. Biggest challenge is that the programming of the game is not seamless like with Microbit original website, but you would have to drag and drop the program to the Microbit USB drive disk D: or E: every time you want to program the game on device. Make sure you don't name the file with (1) or (2) in the file name. Because then Microbit would refuse programming the game - showing error 521 instead with a sad face.It also happens that the latest Windows 10/11 updates somewhat broke the Microbit programming. If you can't get your program to work, getting a sad face shown on Microbit, then try again.Overall programming process may get your child frustrated. It's not starter-friendly. Make sure you're there for them to explain how this thing works. If you or your child aren't ready for exciting experimental STEM hardware adventures, then this engineering toy is not for you. I personally absolutely love it, despite the quirks. But I have years of software and hardware engineering background, yet it was a bit non-obvious how to get it all up and running.Despite the complexities - Five stars! See my video with some instructions how to use it. There are other materials you can find on internet, keywords to search for are "KittenBot Newbit" and "Makecode Arcade". At the end - you drag and drop the .hex file you downloaded from the browser to the (D:) or (E:) "MICROBIT" drive, and your game should run fine on device.

When you get this board, it comes in a clear plastic case with some marketing photos on it.I opened it up, looked it over and thought, now what? There is a QR code on the package so I scanned it and was taken to a website with almost no information and a few websites listed in different languages... not links, just listed. So I copied the one in English and pasted it into the browser and got to a page that was more marketing information.Looking at the board there are small markings that give you clues. One connector appears to be for the battery, one is just a USB, there's the slot for the MicroBit, at least I know that. But what are the specifications for the battery pack, is that a standard hookup for three AAAs? or something proprietary?So unless you already know what this is and what to do with it, be prepared to do a lot of googling. It will not tell you how to get started programming it, how to hook up power, how to program it.. anything.The most information I have found so far is here in the product description, where it shows pictures of the power hookups, etc.If you plan to give this to someone as s gift, or get this as a project for your child, unless they are already using these kinds of projects, make sure that they are a real self starter or this will go straight onto their shelf and stay there.This could all be solved with a paper insert that lists how to hook up power, what battery accessories work, and where to go to learn about block coding. The fact that they included... well... NOTHING, just blows my mind.

I acquired this arcade shield through Vine. I was interested in the product for use in conjunction with a micro:bit and Microsoft MakeCode.Because there are no instructions provided, I needed to search online for KittenBot and find a tutorial on how to download the right file type.Other than not providing directions, I can't fault this product because, as I said, there really are three parties involved here.First I needed to adjust settings in MakeCode to select the right hardware when downloading.Then I needed to copy the downloaded game file onto the micro:bit which took a few tries as I received error codes initially.Once I got the game file on the micro:bit itself, it popped right up on this arcade shield screen and I was able to play.I'm still not sure how to play any games on the go. I was playing while tethered to my laptop.I'll have to do more research. But I can confirm after some trial and error that this product works well!

This arcade shield is just what your kid needs to really get them programming with the micro:bit. Sure, the micro:bit on it’s own is pretty educational, but there is only so much you can do with the built in LEDs or connecting it to stuff on a bread board. This shield adds a screen and buttons, so you can program games on the micro:bit. All of the sudden, the micro:bit is going to get used far more often. This kit really is great. There are just a few things to note.First, it has a JST connector for connecting a 3.7V battery, but it does not come with a battery. I really wish it did, because it’s a pain to source a separate battery and make sure it has the right connector. Second, it doesn’t have a speaker. You will have to rely on the speaker built into the micro:bit, and it would have been nice if this shield maybe had a bit better speaker on it. Also, it requires a micro-USB cable to charge the battery, not the more modern USB-C connection. Still, this is a super useful peripheral if you want your kids to actually use their micro:bits more often and really learn to program. Even without the battery, I’ll give this 5 stars. . .but I really, really wish it came with a battery.

This is an awesome tool to teach beginning circuitry, sensors, and programming. This in particular is very good for game development. I'm an IT person and I think this is a great way to get kids interested.