When we think of handheld gaming consoles, we often imagine sleek devices with high-refresh-rate, vibrant color screens that pull us right into the action. But there’s an interesting newcomer on the horizon called the ‘Ink Console,’ currently making waves on Crowd Supply, and it’s rewriting the rulebook on what immersion means in gaming. Instead of focusing on rapid frame rates and OLED displays, this innovative gadget features a 7.5-inch e-ink display with a resolution of 800 x 480. The creators of the Ink Console took a page from the past, drawing inspiration from classic video games and choose-your-own-adventure books to craft something truly unique.
In essence, the Ink Console is like an e-reader on steroids, featuring an analog joystick to effortlessly navigate interactive gamebooks. But that’s not all— it comes packed with a user-friendly development kit that empowers you to create your own stories, whether for personal enjoyment or to share with the world. To make the experience even richer, the device includes an SD card reader, perfect for loading new gamebooks that are currently in the works.
One intriguing aspect of the Ink Console is its built-in inventory system, seamlessly integrated into the operating system. This addition allows you to gather and manage various items you can use as you venture through your digital journeys. Plus, there’s a health status system, which is ideal for bringing text-based role-playing and adventure games to life.
The brains behind this e-ink console were inspired by the text adventure books that captivated audiences in the 80s and 90s, like the iconic ‘Zork I’ and the gripping tales of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. Just like those nostalgic reads, the outcome of each story on the Ink Console pivots on the choices you make, effectively turning the classics into an interactive digital format. This device doesn’t just bring a wave of nostalgia, it also introduces these engaging narratives to younger audiences, fostering a love for reading in a digital age.
Beyond its nostalgia-inducing mechanics, features like health status and corporate inventory systems add layers of depth to each story. These elements make every gamebook more immersive, potentially captivating audiences both young and old.
While the Ink Console isn’t aiming to compete with the big players in the handheld gaming market like the Lenovo Legion Go S or sleek tablets such as the iPad, it offers something these devices don’t — a distraction-free zone focused entirely on adventure reading. It could be the perfect choice for kids and adults who are passionate about storytelling, provided it hits the mark with its pricing.
