# SparkFun controller:bit - micro:bit Carrier Board (Qwiic)

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** DEV-16129 · **Brand:** [Sparkfun](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/sparkfun-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/sparkfun-controller-bit-micro-bit-carrier-board-qwiic.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/sparkfun-controller-bit-micro-bit-carrier-board-qwiic.html.md))

## Retired product

This product is retired and no longer available for purchase. Search the catalogue for an alternative.

## Description

The SparkFun controller:bit is a fun-filled "carrier" board for the micro:bit that, when combined with the [micro:bit](https://core-electronics.com.au/search/?q=14208), provides you with a fully functional controller system. Designed in a similar form factor to the classic Nintendo controller, the controller:bit is equipped with a four-direction "D-pad" on the left side of the board and two action buttons on the right side of the board. The two push buttons on the micro:bit in the center function as start and select to complete the NES controller form factor.

The controller:bit connects to the micro:bit via an edge connector in the center of the board, making setup easy. This creates a handy way to swap out micro:bits for programming, while still providing reliable connections to all of the different pins on the micro:bit. We have also included several poke home connectors on the back of the board that correspond to each button on the controller:bit, allowing you to use external parts to control your game, robot, or anything your heart desires!

If you are thinking, "Hey, this looks an awful lot like the SparkFun gamer:bit." You're correct! This is the latest revision of the gamer:bit with some updated components and a [Qwiic](https://www.sparkfun.com/qwiic) connector! We found that this board could not be contained by the "gamer" name as we used it to control everything from robots to weather stations!

**Note:** The SparkFun controller:bit does **NOT** include a [micro:bit board](https://core-electronics.com.au/search/?q=14208). The micro:bit will need to be purchased separately.

*The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that lets you get creative with digital technology. Between the micro:bit and our shield-like bit boards you can do almost anything while coding, customizing and controlling your micro:bit from almost anywhere! You can use your micro:bit for all sorts of unique creations, from robots to musical instruments and more. At half the size of a credit card, this versatile board has vast potential!*

 [Get started with the controller:bit Guide](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/microarcade-kit-experiment-guide/hardware-overview)**Features**

- Edge connector for ease of use with the micro:bit
- Full direction “D-pad”
- Two action buttons
- NES controller style
- Poke home connectors for external inputs (i.e., arcade joystick and buttons)
- Qwiic Connector

**Documents**

- [Schematic](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/f/f/3/d/7/Micro_Bit_Controller_Bit.pdf)
- [Eagle Files](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/5/c/a/0/8/Micro_Bit_Controller_Bit.zip)
- [Board Dimensions](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/8/d/7/7/4/micro_bit_controller_bit_board_dimensions.png)
- [Experiment Guide](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/microarcade-kit-experiment-guide/hardware-overview)
- [micro:bit Getting Started Guide](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-the-microbit)
- [About micro:bit Page](https://www.sparkfun.com/pages/microbit)
- micro:bit Apps
- [GitHub](https://github.com/sparkfun/Micro_Bit_Controller_Bit)

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/1/6/16129-sparkfun_controller-bit_-_micro-bit_carrier_board__qwiic_-01.jpg)