🎮 Adafruit PyGamer vs PyBadge vs PyBadge LC — Which One Should You Buy?

If you're just getting started with game development, electronics, or interactive STEM projects, Adafruit’s handheld boards might have already caught your attention. Their three stars — the PyGamer, PyBadge, and PyBadge LC — are portable, powerful, and designed for creativity. But with overlapping features and varying prices, choosing the right one can be confusing.

Don’t worry — this guide breaks them down side by side so you can pick the perfect board based on your budget, goals, and technical needs.

What Are These Boards?

All three devices are pocket-sized gaming boards created by Adafruit to support platforms like:

• MakeCode Arcade – For visual, drag-and-drop game programming
  

• CircuitPython – For Python-based embedded projects
  

• Arduino – For low-level hardware tinkering
  
  

Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or educator, these boards are made to help you build games, learn programming, or even teach entire classrooms about electronics.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s start with a quick feature breakdown:

What Makes Each One Unique?

Let’s explore the strengths of each board and what type of user it’s ideal for.

Adafruit PyGamer – The Premium Powerhouse

If you're looking for power, performance, and expandability, the PyGamer is the king of the trio. It’s designed for more advanced projects and developers who want to do more than just simple games.

Why choose PyGamer?

• More Storage: With 8MB of QSPI flash and a microSD slot, it's perfect for larger games or media files.
  
  

• Audio Jack & Amplifier: Supports real audio output — a must for immersive games.
  
  

• Sensor Support: Includes a built-in accelerometer and light sensor.
  
  

• FeatherWing Compatibility: Add GPS, Wi-Fi, or additional inputs easily.
  
  

Perfect for: Intermediate to advanced hobbyists, makers building full-fledged handheld games, or developers needing real sound and memory expansion.

Adafruit PyBadge – The Balanced All-Rounder

The PyBadge hits the sweet spot between price and features, making it a favorite among educators and STEM facilitators.

Why choose PyBadge?

• Affordable but Feature-Rich: It includes enough buttons for game control and a buzzer for audio feedback.
  
  

• Same Processor as PyGamer: You get high performance without breaking the bank.
  
  

• Expandable: Still includes JST ports for connecting external modules like lights or motors.
  
  

Perfect for: Teachers, workshop hosts, and casual hobbyists who want a capable but economical board.

Adafruit PyBadge LC – The Budget-Friendly Starter

The “LC” in PyBadge LC stands for Low Cost, and it’s ideal for beginners or bulk classroom usage. It strips out some advanced features but keeps the core functionality intact.

Why choose PyBadge LC?

• Lowest Price: At just A$51.00, it’s great for tight budgets or large orders.
  

• No Audio: This board doesn't have any speaker or buzzer — but for learning the basics, that’s okay.
  

• Simpler Buttons: Still functional, just not as tactile or polished.
  
  

Perfect for: Students, coding camps, or anyone wanting to explore MakeCode Arcade without investing too much.

Which One is Best for Your Needs?

Let’s break it down by use case:

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the PyGamer, PyBadge, and PyBadge LC really depends on your:

• Budget
  

• Project complexity
  

• Need for expandability (like sound, memory, or external components)
  
  

If you're just exploring game design or running a large classroom, go for the PyBadge LC. If you want something more dynamic with sound and better buttons, choose the PyBadge. But if you're planning a serious game or looking to build your own console, the PyGamer will serve you best.

No matter which one you pick, Adafruit’s ecosystem ensures a smooth learning curve with tons of online tutorials, community support, and compatible libraries.

Where to Buy in Australia?

You can find all three boards on Pakronics Australia — a trusted source for STEM hardware and components.