Figment: E-Ink Handheld Redefines Retro Gaming with AI-Powered Stories
A new conceptual design, dubbed "Figment," is exploring the potential of E-Ink technology in the realm of handheld gaming. This innovative device, conceived by Pedro Porras Luraschi, adopts a form factor reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch but replaces the conventional AMOLED display with a significantly more power-efficient E-Ink screen. This choice aims to cater specifically to a niche market interested in text-based and choose-your-own-adventure style games.
The Figment features a 7.5-inch E-Ink display, providing a spacious canvas for reading and interacting with game content. The control scheme includes four buttons acting as a D-pad for directional input and three face buttons for actions. The device's construction involves a combination of 3D-printed and laser-cut components, showcasing a maker-centric approach to hardware design.
At its core, the Figment is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller. While this chip is not capable of running modern emulators or complex applications, it serves as an ideal platform for the intended purpose: delivering text-based gaming experiences enhanced by artificial intelligence. The device leverages AI to generate both images and text, expanding upon pre-written adventure stories and creating dynamic narratives based on player choices.
Due to the limited processing power of the ESP32, the Figment requires an internet connection to access the necessary AI functionalities. The game engine relies on cloud-based services to generate content in real-time, tailoring the experience to the player's decisions. However, the developer intends to implement a feature that allows saving generated content locally, enabling offline gameplay in future iterations.
The Figment emerges in the wake of another E-Ink handheld project, the Ink Console, which experienced a brief crowdfunding campaign earlier in the year. Although that project has since been taken over by a new team, progress remains undisclosed. The Figment, for now, remains a proof of concept.
The developer is considering open-sourcing both the hardware design and the game engine, potentially fostering a community around this unique gaming platform. Interested individuals can subscribe to a newsletter on the official website for updates and further information.
Source: AndroidAuthority