Earlier, I chatted to Grant Sinclair about the GamerCard. We had a pretty long chat, mostly about other things (and old Sinclair devices!), but he was able to show me a physical GamerCard, which better demonstrated one of its key features.
Basically, the body is a PCB!
Now, I’d seen the text on the website… let’s say I skimmed over it, assuming it referred to the Pi Zero inside. But no, this “PCB sandwich construction” refers to the casing – which isn’t just a casing. That quote from the website:
GamerCard’s patented next-generation PCB sandwich construction replaces traditional body casings and wasteful manufacturing processes. Advanced electronics miniaturisation and low component count results in an ultra-thin, ultra-light and ultra-tough console—with no setup, no cables, and no packaging waste.
Now, you can’t see this in the images on the website, probably (I think) because they’re digital mockups. But when Grant showed me the GamerCard, the circuit lines were visible in the GamerCard’s body.
Amazing!
GamerCard printed instructions
He also told me a bit about the instructions, printed on the back. You’ve probably seen these, and the QR code, and Grant confirmed that these graphics are PCB-etched. Per the GamerCard page:
No printing—graphics are PCB-etched, with subtle, tactile, track traces on the back. Over 80% smaller and lighter than market-leading handhelds, GamerCard® delivers instant entertainment and endless possibilities for gamers, makers, tinkerers, and educators—in a revolutionary pocketable form.
Incidentally, that QR code is a top piece of marketing — it directs anyone scanning it back to grantsinclair.com, specifically to the GamerCard page. So, you could just hold the console up for a friend to scan the QR code and learn more, or a stranger might see you playing, scan the code, and discover a whole new world of gaming.
This is exciting stuff!
One last thing — the GamerCard’s promotional media (above) highlights its size and suitability for hanging with gift cards, and Grant confirmed that not only is this is likely to happen, but (in line with the website’s stated delivery) they’re aiming to ship in September.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.