Game Boy-inspired hi-res music player tops $500,000 on Kickstarter
HIDIZS's retro-styled AP30 Music Boy audio player raised over $500,000 on Kickstarter, nearly 100 times its original funding goal, blending Game Boy-like looks with high-resolution audio specs.
HIDIZS, a brand known for previous audio equipment campaigns, has raised roughly $504,000 for its AP30 Music Boy on Kickstarter, far exceeding its original goal of about $5,100. The campaign has since closed, though late backers can still join. Shipping is expected to begin this October.
The device visually echoes the classic Game Boy but is built for audiophiles. It comes in two versions — a lighter aluminum model and an even lighter plastic one — and offers three carrying options: a magnetic phone case, a lanyard, or a bag clip.
Specs include a 2-inch IPS display, a dedicated DAC chip, support for microSD cards up to 256GB, and Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life runs eight to ten hours wired and six to eight hours wireless. The player supports a wide range of audio formats, including high-resolution PCM and native DSD playback. It can also serve as a portable DAC when connected to a phone or computer, function as an e-book reader, and includes six built-in retro-style games, such as Tetris- and Snake-inspired titles.
The report frames the campaign's success within a broader resurgence of minimalist, offline-focused "dumb" devices, appealing to people seeking a break from constant notifications. This trend is tied in part to Gen Z's fascination with Y2K aesthetics and nostalgia for a simpler, pre-algorithm era of technology.
