Hardkernel Releases the ODROID-GO for Their 10-Year Celebration

For its 10th anniversary, Hardkernel has released the ODROID-GO — a DIY handheld gaming platform that’s similar to Nintendo’s Game Boy, complete with an emulator that supports Game Boy, NES, Game Gear and Sega Master System games. The idea behind the kit was designed as a learning tool that lets you become familiar with each part as you build it and install the OS.

Hardkernal says that the kit comes with a special anniversary board that’s outfitted with a custom ESP32-WROVER module with ESP32 SoC (80 to 240MHz), 16 MB Flash, and 4MP PSRAM. It also features an Arduino IDE so that you could use the device for alternative applications, such as a weather station or ultrasonic distance measurer.

The ODROID-GO kit includes everything needed to build the gaming platform — a custom PCB (ODROID-GO board), a 2.4-inch 320 X 240-pixel TFT LED display, buttons, enclosure, speaker, and a 1,200mAh battery with a reported 10-hours of gameplay before needing a recharge. Aside from that, it packs a micro USB port, a micro SD card slot, and a 10-pin header for expansion boards. There’s even support for Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Those interested will find instructions for the complete build process, schematics and Arduino docs on the ODROID Wiki page, along with instructions on how to install the OS and game emulator. Hardkernel provides the necessary information on how to turn the platform into a weather station and distance measurer in the Wiki as well. For $32, it seems like quite the deal, especially those looking to enter the maker scene.