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Learn - Build - Code - Play

Welcome to iTapArcade where we provide innovative ways to teach CircuitPython coding concepts based on creating NeoPixel based games on the Circuit Playground Express (CPX).  I have created a button shield kit to expand the buttons on a CPX while adding a battery pack for portability.   We are currently promoting the Button Shield Kit based on products like the Circuit Playground Express (CPX) board to encourage CircuitPython coding for all ages.  Check out our latest Button Shield Kit for the CPX to explore CircuitPython coding with Neopixels.  Explore how we create CircuitPython based games like a 4 player pong game for kids of all ages on the CPX.  Follow us on Twitter @iTapArcade so you know when we release CircuitPython based games for our Button Shield Kit.  Our kits provide a great platform for learning CircuitPython game programming with your CPX and NeoPixels.  In the coming months, we will provide tutorials on how you can leverage our button shield kit to help teach game coding concepts.  

Using NeoPixels to Create CircuitPython based Games 

Using NeoPixels to teach CircuitPython coding concepts helps your students focus on core gaming concepts while dealing with the constraints of a limited display to create games.  This is a great coding problem with real-world constraints normally found in various engineering disciplines.   We seek to create handheld games that promote programming creativity while leveraging limited displays like NeoPixels.  What type of games can be created with NeoPixels?  Below is an example of an auto racing game based on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (before NeoPixels) released in 1976 by Mattel Electronics.  We seek to create games like this in CircuitPython but with NeoPixels and four colored buttons combining the button shield kit with the CPX. Follow us on Twitter for updates about our games and the button shield kit. 

LED based games were fun as portable handheld gaming systems for us who grew up in the 80s, so I am seeking to capture that same kind of fun with the button shield kit while teaching young programmers how to code in CircuitPython. With all of the sensors on the CPX, it makes the perfect platform for developing handheld electronic games. Instead of 80s LEDs with no extra sensors, the Circuit Playground Express includes NeoPixels and a variety of other sensors to create fun handheld electronic games in CircuitPython.