Immersive E-Book Revives Choose Your Own Adventure Stories for the Modern Age

Handheld gaming consoles are usually packed with high-refresh-rate color displays to enhance the gaming experience. However, a new device called the ‘Ink Console’ set to launch on Crowd Supply is taking a unique turn towards achieving that immersive feel. Instead of focusing on boasting high frame rates or shiny OLED screens, it’s equipped with a 7.5-inch e-ink display with a resolution of 800 x 480. This out-of-the-box concept is inspired by the nostalgia of classic games and choose-your-own-adventure books, according to the company behind the Ink Console.

At its core, the Ink Console is more like an e-reader, albeit with an added twist of an analog joystick for navigating through gamebooks. One standout feature is its user-friendly development kit that allows you to craft your own adventures—whether for personal enjoyment or to share with the community. Adding further to its versatility, it comes with an SD card reader, giving users the opportunity to expand their library with new and upcoming gamebooks.

Another noteworthy feature is the console’s inventory system, built right into its operating system. This nifty tool lets you collect and manage various items you’ll encounter throughout your odyssey in game worlds. A health status system is also included, making it particularly well-suited for text-based role-playing and adventure games.

The vision for this e-ink gaming device stems from the beloved text adventure books of the late ’80s and early ’90s like Zork I and R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. These classics are remembered for allowing narratives to unfold based on the reader’s choices. The Ink Console aims to bring these cultural gems into the digital realm, hoping to spark a reading renaissance in younger audiences.

Beyond these capabilities, the system’s digital offerings, such as its health and inventory mechanics, add layers of complexity that turn gamebooks into more dynamic experiences. It’s a blend of past and future, aiming to appeal to both the nostalgia-driven and the curious newcomers who seek engagement through reading.

While the Ink Console is unlikely to rival the cutting-edge performance of devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S or an iPad, it strikes a charming balance. It’s crafted for those who crave a reading adventure without the interruptions of constant notifications or app distractions. So whether for kids or adults who hold a passion for reading and text-based escapades, it has the potential to captivate, provided it hits the market at a compelling price point.