Portable programming

To run MicroCode (without a separate computer such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone) you need to get the following hardware:

With the above hardware, in addition to the freely-available MicroCode software, you can also make use of these other great programming environments:

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: