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!

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:

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.

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.

Step 6: Power up and play!
Locate the power switch on the bottom left of your CodeCTRL. Toggle it on and your game should automatically start running on the CodeCTRL’s display.
Use the buttons and controls on your CodeCTRL to play!

Recommended Games

Project
Recycle Rush
Feeling Stuck? Explore the Knowledge Base for common questions and troubleshooting tips.