Bandit PC32 ColorForth Keyboard Computer powered by Raspberry Pi RP2350 Microcontroller

The BANDIT PC32 is a keyboard computer powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller designed for on-the-go video game programming. This device is a unique mix of performance and portability, with a 32-key split keyboard as its centerpiece. In addition to its proprietary keyboard layout, the BANDIT PC32 features a 3.2-inch capacitive display with a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. For those who want extra screen space, it also has an HDMI connector for connecting to an external display.

This is the BANDIT standalone computer's second version, after the prototype powered by the RP2040 microcontroller. While we've seen various RP2350-based devices, such as the Inky Frame 7.3" and the Jumperless V5 breadboard, the BANDIT PC32 is the first RP2350 standalone computer we've seen. It shares certain design concepts with the ESP32 Rainbow, but has its own set of unique characteristics.

MCU:

• Raspberry Pi RP2350 Dual-Core Arm Cortex-M33
• 512KB SRAM

Memory & Storage:

• 8MB PSRAM (battery-backed)
• 4MB QSPI Flash Memory (alternative storage)
• MicroSD Card Slot

Graphics:

• Supports 3000 sprites (8x8 pixels) at 60fps (single-core performance)

Display:

• 3.2-inch 320 x 240 IPS Touchscreen (with capacitive touch, SPI with internal framebuffer)
• HDMI Output: Up to 320 x 240 or 640 x 480 resolution (4/8/16-bit modes)

Audio:

• 6-Channel FM Synthesizer
• 2+ Channel PCM Audio, streamed from SRAM or PSRAM via 16-bit I2S

Keyboard:

• 32-Key Kailh Brown Mechanical Switches
• Full Chording Capability

Connectivity:

• ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module (Host/Client functionality)
• UART Interface

GPIO:

• 48 Pins I/O, divided into two 12x2 ports (female connectors)

Battery:

• 1000mAh Battery (3 hours at 250MHz, 4+ hours at reduced clock rates)

Dimensions:

• 97mm x 32mm x 22mm

The BANDIT PC32 RP2350-based computer runs a customized version of ColorForth, a bare-metal programming environment that includes a bootloader core, source code editor, THUMB assembler, palette and graphics editor, music tracker, and included documentation.

The BANDIT PC32 is now available for pre-order through the DSCF website for $169.99, with four color options to choose from. Shipping is expected to begin in Q2 2025, offering plenty of time to secure your own device ahead of its release.

If you're a game developer looking for a portable, all-in-one solution to bring your ideas to life, the BANDIT PC32 could be the ideal tool. Pre-order now and get ready for the future of mobile programming!