Flipslide
How do you create a long lasting handheld electronic game when screens aren’t an option? We tried to combine the satisfaction of fidget toys, geometric cues from Tetris, and the light up fun of Simon. Flipslide was the result of this amalgamation: a satisfyingly tactile puzzle game where users rotate and slide blocks to match the lit-up colors in the middle. We made four game modes - speed, memory, puzzle, and multiplayer - for a varied gameplay experience. The timing, difficulty, and sounds were all custom built and tweaked over several months with Moose Toys (based in Australia). Because of the long shipping times, we opted to have duplicate models and code - one in the Bay Area and one overseas - and I would send code and gameplay updates weekly for review.
We built a fully-functional model with electronics, satisfying sound effects, score tracking, and LEDs.
Since there are no buttons on the mode (except the power switch), we had to get creative with user input. Users rotate a block to change modes (or volume levels), and then slide a block to select the mode.
Early prototypes tested the feasibility of a sprung rotating block with passive components and LEDs to indicate states.
Pogo pins are used to connect a block electrically to the center module. The module senses and reads the voltage across the resistor to determine its location and rotation. The center section has a V-shaped cross section to ensure rotating blocks can locate back on center.
Each rotating block contained two different resistor values. A central rod allowed for rotation and contained a spring in order to snap the blocks into the correct position.
Sections of brass were machined for the electronic contacts to ensure conductivity and prolonged life due to decreased friction.
The central channel was milled out of delrin in order to decrease friction. It had several detends at four positions in order to locate the central rod properly.
Flipslide released in April of 2018 and has been on sale ever since (an encouragingly long time in the toy world). It has gathered over 10,000 positive reviews, with users enjoying the tactile and satisfying gameplay. The toy features a demo-in-store mode with packaging that allows people to try before buying.