Build a game console and texting devices with this $220 STEM kit for kids

Mix education with play.

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TL;DR: As of April 8, the Retro Bundle from CircuitMess — which includes the Chatter: DIY Walkie-Textie and ByteBoi DIY Retro Game Console — is on sale for only $219.99 instead of $289. That's a savings of 18% for a limited time.

Gift shopping for kids is a challenge all of its own. Gift shopping for techie kids may be even harder, but if you play your cards right, you could get them something that helps them learn and have fun while they’re doing it. The Retro Bundle is a two-part kit that guides young learners through the process of building a text-only walkie-talkie and a game console. Get the whole kit for just $219.99 (reg. $289).

A fun build kit for kids and adults

This retro build kit could give kids 11+ a chance to build something they can actually use. If you want to create a chatter device that has free unlimited texts on its own private network, start building the Walkie-Texties.

Each Walkie-Textie can only message other devices on the same network. It can’t text a phone, but the kit does come with materials to build a second device. Anyone with a Chatter Walkie-Textie can join the same network and send unlimited texts in a secret code that only other chatter devices can see.

The second part of the kit is for the ByteBoi, a handheld gaming console with many games, puzzles, and pre-loaded adventures. Once the console is assembled, you can play existing games or code your own games and share them with other players.

All building components are included in this bundle, but some hardware and coding skills may be required. Builders will need to solder and assemble electric components and microcomputers. Some coding expertise in C++, Python, and CircuitBlocks may also be required if you want to build your own games.