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Flipper Devices and Raspberry Pi unveil the Video Game Module for Flipper Zero, an open-source multi-tool computer for tech enthusiasts.
Aimed a tech fans and cybersecurity professionals, the addition expands the utility of the Flipper Zero.
Flipper Devices joined forces with Raspberry Pi to introduce the Video Game Module. This collaboration signals a shared commitment to providing open-source tools for accessible security research and development.
Flipper Zero is a fully customizable open-source device, and it invites users to explore new functionalities through additional apps and accessories. Teaming up with Raspberry Pi, a company dedicated to democratizing technology, Flipper Devices aims to extend the capabilities of Flipper Zero even further.
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The Video Game Module brings an exciting dimension to Flipper Zero, enabling video output to an external display and tracking hand movements, such as tilting or shaking. Powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller, the module supports applications programmed in C, C++, or MicroPython. A USB Type-C connector facilitates communication with the microcontroller, while the GPIO connector interfaces with Flipper Zero.
The RP2040 microcontroller features a programmable Input/Output subsystem, introducing DVI output and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with a TDK ICM-42688-P sensor, housing a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer.
Eben Upton, founder of the Raspberry Pi, said in a statement, “We’ve been enormous fans of the Flipper team ever since their first product debuted on Kickstarter in the summer of 2020. We’ve watched from the sidelines as Flipper Zero has gone on to sell units to geeks and researchers all around the world.”
Upton added, “Today, we’re excited to become part of the Flipper story with the Video Game Module, bringing the power of the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller to the Flipper ecosystem. Video Game Module leverages our unique programmable I/O subsystem to add DVI-D output to Flipper Zero. We can’t wait to see what new Flipper applications emerge from this collaboration”.
This integration transforms Flipper Zero into a robust gaming platform, allowing multi-tool screens to be broadcasted to TVs and monitors. The Video Game Module can also function independently, similar to a Raspberry Pi Pico with an onboard IMU, accessible by both Flipper device and RP2040 microcontroller.
Alex Kulagin, founder and COO of Flipper Devices, said in a statement, “We’ve created Flipper Zero with the vision of an expandable device that will be getting more and more useful with time through the work of our engineers and the wider community. Raspberry Pi products and vision have always inspired us and we are truly excited about this partnership and the first outcome of this collaboration — the new Video Game Module. We hope to encourage developers, geeks and retro enthusiasts to embark on a DIY journey, unlocking new ways of using Flipper Zero and bridging the gap between retro-gaming nostalgia and cutting-edge research.”
Earlier this year, Flipper Devices celebrated reaching the sales milestone of 500,000 units, generating approximately $100 million since its inception. The majority of devices were ordered by users in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Flipper Zero and its accessories are available through the official website or local partners, including Joom Geek and Lab401.
Founded in 2020 through a Kickstarter campaign, Flipper Devices is a U.K.-based company that swiftly surpassed its crowdfunding goals, raising $4.8 million in 30 days. Flipper Zero is designed for interaction with various wireless devices, including IoT sensors, TVs, ACs, and access control systems such as garage doors, boom barriers, remote keyless systems, and RFID card systems.
Raspberry Pi, the computing company, is on a mission to put high-performance, low-cost, general-purpose computing platforms in the hands of enthusiasts and engineers worldwide. From the 50-cent RP2040 microcontroller to the flagship Raspberry Pi 5 Linux PC, Raspberry Pi continues to innovate in the realm of accessible computing.
Flipper Devices has 55 people. Asked how this got started, Flipper Devices said that over the summer it received a proposal for a joint project to create something mutually beneficial for both audiences. About a year ago, Flipper’s team installed a monitor with a Flipper screen streamer on our front door, using the RPI Pico board. They experimented with it extensively and found it to be particularly well-suited for gaming, especially when paired with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for motion-based games.
In alignment with Flipper’s values and the principles of the Raspberry Pi community, we made the RP2040 chip accessible separately from the Flipper, allowing users to utilize its capabilities through GPIO pins and USB connectivity. Also, all components and codes are open source.
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