This Game Boy inspired hi-res music player raised over $500

The AP30 Music Boy is just the latest example of "dumb" tech’s resurgence. This Game Boy inspired hi-res music player raised over $500,000 on Kickstarter. News Computing Accessories This Game Boy inspired hi-res music player raised over $500,000 on Kickstarter People are clamoring for dumber tech.

From flip phones that reject social media to aesthetic-focused music players, simplified tech is making a comeback. This trend can clearly be seen in the popularity of the AP30 Music Boy’s Kickstarter campaign, an audio player that draws heavy inspiration from the aesthetics of the Game Boy, but with hi-res specs. Slated to start shipping this October, the device is the latest project from HIDIZS, a brand that’s previously launched several other successful campaigns for various audio players and equipment.

The Kickstarter campaign began with the modest goal of HK$40,000, which converts to about $5,100. At time of writing, the Kickstarter sits at HK$3,954,885, about $504,311 — over 98 times the original goal. The Kickstarter has now concluded, but late backers can still get in on the campaign.

There are two different versions of the AP30 Music Boy available, an aluminum model that weighs in at 80g, and a lightweight plastic model that clocks in at just 56g.