Gallery: Charming DIY Kit Lets You Hack Together a Game Console
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A London-based startup called [Technology Will Save Us](http://technologywillsaveus.org/) is taking on Nintendo and Apple with its [DIY Gamer Kit](http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2013/october/diy-gamer-kit), a product that combines retro gaming and garage hacking. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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The $80 system contains an Arduino Uno, a custom-designed PCB shield, and an LED matrix that delivers a stunning 64 pixels of graphical feedback. An IR transmitter adds support for multi-play and a small piezo buzzer brings a sonic dimension to the system. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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The first challenge is assembling the device. A laser-cut plastic bezel lends some personality to the system and introduces an easy way for kids to customize the appearance. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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The Carter-era technology might not impress jaded youngsters, but it doesn't need to compete with *Angry Birds*, just homework assignments. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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Legendary low-res games like *Breakout* and *Snake* come pre-installed, but the goal is to use those as an easy transition to the source code, where students can start creating new ones. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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"The design does allude to a Game Boy, and to be fair there is a strong influence," says Hirschmann. "But it is the result of a number of design iterations." *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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Dozens of questions popped up during development: Would it be a traditional game console or a completely new category? Using an LCD or an LED? Should it use joysticks or switches? Should we make multiplayer and if so, how? *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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Hirschmann and Koby have three remaining goals: Build out the collection of games, get the kits integrated into lesson plans, and the Boss Level challenge of getting kids excited enough to hack the system. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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Open source hardware companies like [Sparkfun](https://www.sparkfun.com/) and [Adafruit](http://adafruit.com/) offer a variety of introductory electronics kits and [Evil Mad Scientist Labs](http://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/tinykitlist/100-meggyjr) has offered a similar handheld gaming platform, utilizing an identical LED matrix, for years. But the TWSU team believes their focus on design and user experience, rather than pure tech geekery, will set them apart. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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Frustrated by manufacturers' planned obsolescence and consumers' utter disregard for technology, the team resolved to create products that would approach the market in a very different way. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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"We want to believe in a world where individuals have the skills to design and imagine devices that are more bespoke and more meaningful because they made them with their hands," says Koby. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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The company's name is unusual and might better fit a band, or serve as a creative affirmation, but "it was provocative and encouraged people to ask questions—which is what we intend our business to do," says Koby. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
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Technology Will Save Us is pursuing a triple bottom line that puts equal focus on profits but also the people they serve and the impact on the environment. *Photo: Technology Will Save Us*
