Interactive E-Book Revitalizes Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Stories for the 21st Century

Handheld gaming consoles usually boast high-refresh-rate color screens that immerse gamers in vivid experiences. However, the forthcoming “Ink Console,” preparing to debut on Crowd Supply, is taking a different route to captivate its users. Unlike most consoles focused on high frame rates and OLED displays, this new device features a 7.5-inch e-ink screen with a resolution of 800 x 480. The creators behind Ink Console drew inspiration from vintage games and choose-your-own-adventure books to design this unique gadget.

At its core, the Ink Console functions as an e-reader, complemented by an analog joystick for seamless navigation through gamebooks. Additionally, the console offers an accessible development kit, encouraging you to craft personal adventures or share them with others. To support this creativity, it houses a built-in SD card reader, allowing users to expand their library with more gamebooks as they roll out.

Another standout aspect of the Ink Console is its integrated inventory system. This feature enables players to gather and manage various items, which can be utilized throughout your adventures. It even includes a health status system, making it particularly ideal for text-based role-playing and adventure games.

The developers revealed that the inspiration for this e-ink gaming console came from the popular text adventure books of the ’80s and ’90s, like Zork I and R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. These stories hinge on the reader’s choices to determine the narrative’s outcome. The e-ink device aims to breathe digital life into these classics, introducing them to a new generation and fostering a love for reading.

Furthermore, the digital features, such as the health and inventory systems, add complexity to the gamebooks. This enhancement makes the adventures even more engrossing, appealing to gamers of all ages.

The Ink Console isn’t designed to compete with modern handheld gaming powerhouses like the Lenovo Legion Go S, or versatile tablets like the iPad. Instead, it’s purpose-built for adventure reading, free from the distractions of notifications and other apps. This makes it an excellent choice for both children and adults who relish reading and text-based entertainment, provided it comes at a reasonable price.