Portable programming
To run MicroCode (without a separate computer such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone) you need to get the following hardware:
- a micro:bit V2, available from many vendors
- a micro:bit Arcade shield
With the above hardware, in addition to the freely-available MicroCode software, you can also make use of these other great programming environments:
- MakeCode for micro:bit for the micro:bit V2
- MakeCode Arcade for the micro:bit V2 + Arcade shield
Tethered programming
If you only have a micro:bit V2, you can still use MicroCode, but you need to use the web app and connect your micro:bit using a micro-USB cable.
KittenBot MicroCode product
KittenBot recently introduced a MicroCode Explorer Kit that includes a micro:bit V2, newbit Arcade shield, Jacdac Kit A.
Arcade Shields for the micro:bit V2
Three Arcade shields for the micro:bit V2 are available on the market today, as shown below:
Kittenbot's newbit Arcade shield | ELECFREAK's micro:bit Arcade shield | ICShopping's Game:bit Arcade shield |
Small screen. No battery or battery pack included. 3.7V JST power jack on back. One Jacdac port. | Assembly required. Small screen. AAA Battery pack on back. One Jacdac port. | No assembly required. Large screen and 3d-printed enclosure with LiPo battery inside. Two Jacdac ports. |
After downloading the MicroCode hex file to your micro:bit V2, whenever you plug the micro:bit into the Arcade Shield, MicroCode should start running. Your MicroCode program is always live and runnable. Once you remove the micro:bit from the shield, the program will persist and continue to run (assuming the micro:bit is still powered, of course).
Jacdac and Robots
If you want to use Jacdac accessories with MicroCode, you will also need a kit of Jacdac modules (see Jacdac Kit A, Jacdac Kit B, Climate Action Kit). If you further want to use MicroCode with a supported micro:bit robot, you will also need to purchase the robot, as well as an additional micro:bit for slotting into the robot.
Both Jacdac and the micro:bit robots also are supported by MakeCode for micro:bit. For more info, see: