A new handheld console project aims to bring back the magic of the text adventures of the 80s. Called Ink Console, the device is currently in development and was recently presented on the crowdfunding platform Crowd Supply.

The Ink Console will feature a 7.5-inch e-ink screen, offering a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels in black and white. The device also features Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 4 connectivity, allowing a degree of flexibility when it comes to adding content.

Unlike traditional handheld consoles, Ink Console is not an emulation machine and does not seek to support a wide variety of genres. Its operating system has been designed to incorporate mechanics specific to text-based adventures, such as a health system and an interactive inventory.

Three initial titles, or rather ‘interactive books’, are already in the pipeline: Toto Umbrella, The Visit and Breath. The device will feature an SD card reader to allow players to add new titles to their library. The project also plans to make its development kit public so that other developers can create their own interactive stories. Ultimately, the whole project should even become open source after the funding campaign.

The initiative is spearheaded by Daniel ‘Dana’ Puchau. He explains that the idea for Ink Console was born out of a desire to adapt the concept of text-based adventures from the 80s, such as Zork I, to a new generation of gamers. He also cites other interactive books, hoping that this fun format will encourage young readers to discover the pleasure of reading.

The crowdfunding campaign has not yet been launched, but it is already possible to sign up on Crowd Supply to be notified when it opens and to reserve a copy of the Ink Console.

Source: Time Extension