Introducing BitBoy: The Blockchain-Powered Gaming Handheld That Lets You Earn Bitcoin While Playing
Ordz Games, a Hong Kong-based company, is set to revolutionize the gaming industry with their latest creation, BitBoy. This handheld gaming device, inspired by the iconic Game Boy, combines retro gaming nostalgia with the power of blockchain technology. Players can now earn Bitcoin while enjoying their favorite classic games.
The founder of Ordz Games, known as “z3th,” started the company in 2021 after getting into crypto in 2017. The BitBoy is his brainchild, and he aims to create a unique blend of nostalgia, innovation, and community through Web3 gaming. The device features a sleek translucent orange design, paying homage to the color of Bitcoin.
But what sets BitBoy apart from other gaming devices is its integration with the Bitcoin blockchain. Through native applications connected to the blockchain, players can engage in various video games that are forever inscribed as “ordinals” on the Bitcoin blockchain. Ordinals are a new way to create NFTs on Bitcoin, attaching data such as images and videos to individual satoshis.
The BitBoy offers a wide range of gaming choices, including HTML games, on-chain emulators, and ROMs. However, Ordz Games may face legal challenges when it comes to dealing with gaming companies like Nintendo, who may not approve of the emulator/ROM feature. According to z3th, players will need to own a copy of the game to play the ROM legally.
In addition to its gaming capabilities, BitBoy also functions as a hardware wallet for managing popular Bitcoin wallet apps like Xverse, Unisat, and Oyl wallets. Users can earn, collect, trade, and swap directly from the device.
Moreover, BitBoy serves as a mining machine for the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DEPIN). While the mining power of the device is weak and users are unlikely to make significant profits, the concept adds an exciting element for crypto enthusiasts.
BitBoy’s multiplayer support via Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity opens up new possibilities for community and competition. Players can challenge their friends in two- or four-player retro games, or even delve into MMORPGs. The device’s NFC compatibility also allows for future trading card games, seamlessly blending the physical and digital gaming worlds.
The BitBoy is not only a physical device but also a virtual one. Each device comes bundled with a one-to-one 3D rendering of the physical device, which can be viewed in VR headsets. This virtual representation will also be playable on the project’s website.
While the BitBoy’s exact price is pending, it is expected to cost around $500. Preorders are anticipated to open in mid-April, with the device set to launch sometime this year. The company has showcased the BitBoy at the Hong Kong Web3 Gaming Expo and plans to reveal more during Paris Blockchain Week.
Ordz Games has ambitious plans for BitBoy, aiming to get the devices into the hands of consumers by the end of the year. With its unique blend of retro gaming and blockchain technology, BitBoy offers an exciting opportunity for gamers to earn Bitcoin while enjoying their favorite classic titles. While there are still concerns and uncertainties surrounding the device, it represents an intriguing development for crypto enthusiasts and gaming enthusiasts alike.