Nintendo Switch meets Kindle: Gaming and reading unite

The Figment represents an innovative convergence of gaming and e-reader technology, offering a fresh approach to interactive fiction. This conceptual handheld prototype combines Nintendo Switch-like controls with E-Ink display technology to create a specialized device for text-based adventure games, potentially opening a new niche in the increasingly diverse gaming handheld market. By leveraging AI to expand storytelling possibilities while maintaining the power efficiency of E-Ink, this concept addresses both creative and practical concerns in portable gaming.

The big picture: Tinkerer Pedro Porras Luraschi has developed the Figment, a conceptual gaming handheld that merges Nintendo Switch-inspired design with Kindle-like E-Ink display technology.

• The prototype features a 7.5-inch E-Ink screen with a control layout that includes a four-button D-pad on one side and three face buttons on the other.
• The device’s body combines 3D-printed and laser-cut components powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, prioritizing energy efficiency over processing power.

How it works: The Figment focuses exclusively on text-based adventure gaming rather than attempting to run modern emulators or graphically intensive games.

• The device uses a combination of pre-written choose-your-own-adventure stories and AI technology to generate images matching the narratives and create text for paths not covered by original authors.
• Since the low-power ESP32 chip cannot run a large language model locally, the system currently requires an internet connection, though the developer plans to enable offline play by saving generated content to the device.

Market context: The Figment represents the second E-Ink gaming handheld announced in recent months, suggesting potential emerging interest in this specialized category.

• An earlier project called the Ink Console launched a short-lived crowdfunding campaign earlier this year, with the project recently changing hands to a new development team.
• While currently just a proof of concept, the Figment’s creator may open-source both the hardware design and game engine if the project generates sufficient interest.