Unveiling a Unique Gaming Console with an E-Ink Display

Singular 9 is set to revive the aesthetics of the 1980s with the introduction of an unusual hybrid between an e-reader and a gaming console. Dubbed the Ink Console, this will be the first portable system to feature an electronic ink display, designed specifically for immersive text-based quests and interactive novels.

The Ink Console positions itself as the antithesis of modern gaming systems: instead of flashy graphics, it boasts a minimalist 7.5-inch (800×480) E-Ink display; instead of controllers packed with buttons, it offers just two analog sticks for navigating textual labyrinths. Inspired by cult classics like Zork I, the device ensures that every decision influences the storyline. According to its developers, this is more than just a console—it’s a tool for crafting “living books,” complete with inventory systems, character health stats, and branching dialogues.

Beneath its e-reader-like exterior, the Ink Console houses a dual-core ESP32 processor with Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth support, allowing users to download new stories via SD cards or the cloud. The unconventional choice of an E-Ink display prioritizes eye comfort, making it possible to engage in hours of uninterrupted reading-gaming sessions. Audio immersion is provided through a 3.5mm headphone jack or a built-in speaker, enriching the experience with ambient effects—from the rustling of pages to tense musical cues during key moments.

The platform will also offer an SDK with a simplified interface, enabling enthusiasts to create games without programming skills. The You Create toolkit allows writers and artists to bring their stories to life, incorporating interactive elements, puzzles, and multiple endings. While pricing and production details remain undisclosed, a crowdfunding campaign is set to launch on March 1, accompanied by a demo video showcasing how electronic ink comes to life in gameplay.