Playing MakeCode Arcade Games on CodeCTRL

Ready to take your MakeCode Arcade creations off the computer screen and into your hands?

This tutorial will walk you through the steps for downloading games from MakeCode Arcade to your CodeCTRL so you can play on the go!

A child uses Forward Education's CodeCTRL device to play a colorful pixel-art video game.

Materials

micro:bit (V2)
CodeCTRL
microUSB cable
Computer with internet access

Instructions

Step 1: Download your MakeCode Arcade game

Open the game you want to play in the MakeCode Arcade Editor. Try one of our recommendations below or code your own by following the tutorials on the MakeCode Arcade website.

Click the orange Download button (bottom left) and select ‘CodeCTRL’ from the hardware options:

Screenshot of CodeCTRL option in MakeCode Arcade.

A .hex file will download to your computer’s ‘Downloads’ folder.

Step 2: Connect your micro:bit to the computer

Plug the smaller end of a microUSB cable into the USB port on your micro:bit.

Plug the larger, standard USB end into a USB port on your computer.

A microUSB cable is used to connect a micro:bit to a laptop computer.

Step 3: Transfer the game to your micro:bit

Open your computer’s file explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to locate the game’s .hex file in your ‘Downloads’ folder.

Drag and drop the .hex file onto the ‘MICROBIT’ drive. Wait for the file transfer to complete.

Note: If you are having trouble with Steps 2 and 3, check out these browser-specific instructions from Microsoft.

Step 4: Eject your micro:bit

Safely eject your micro:bit from your computer to avoid damaging it:

On Windows: Right-click on the “MICROBIT” drive icon in File Explorer and select “Eject”.
On macOS: Drag the “MICROBIT” drive icon from your desktop to the Trash (which will change to an “Eject” icon).

Disconnect the micro USB cable from your micro:bit and computer.

Step 5: Connect micro:bit to CodeCTRL

Gently slide the pins of your micro:bit into the edge connector at the top of the CodeCTRL. Be sure the the buttons on the micro:bit are facing forward! You should feel a slight click or resistance when it’s properly connected.