Dice. Although the rolls may be random, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find crowdfunding campaigns for them on any given week. There are countless creative designs, many of which feature unique materials and/or craftsmanship. As such, it can take a bit of something extra to stand out from the rest. The latest does just that. Pixels electronic dice enhance gaming through customizable LED lights and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Yet they still feel like standard dice.

Adding electronics to non-digital products oftentimes feels unnecessary or gimmicky. However, Pixels dice incorporate technology in a way we didn’t know we needed. Each die contains customizable RGB LEDs that can be programmed to light up however one wants. Users can customize colors, patterns, or conditions (similar to IFTTT). This is achieved through Bluetooth connectivity between the die and mobile devices running the Pixels app. The Bluetooth protocol is not proprietary, which allows effective communication with other apps and platforms, such as Roll20 or Foundry.

Smooth, tough resin fully encapsulates the electronics in each Pixels die. There are no seams, ports, or flaps to deal with. The charging of Pixels dice is done wirelessly through the included carrying cases. This also means that these dice are completely waterproof, just like the regular ones you have at home. The batteries are good for up to five hours of play. When it’s time to charge, the wait is just a little more than an hour. One can expect the batteries to last for years before gradually holding less charge per cycle.

With a “dice first” design, the Pixels dice deliver the look and feel of regular dice, no matter the number of sides. The embedded electronics add a bit of weight, but not much. Pixels dice have more heft than plastic or resin dice, yet weigh less than ones crafted from gemstones or metal. Because proper balance matters, each die has precise finishes and small internal counterweights. Gamers can expect Pixels dice to deliver fair and consistent rolls while also looking pretty darn cool.

The Pixels dice come in two LED styles: shine only through the numbers, and shine through all the faces. The former makes the numbers more readable, while the latter glows brighter overall. Pixels dice will be available in various sets (of seven) or in singles: d4, d6, d8, d12, d20, d00 (percentile), and pipped (dotted) d6. All come with a charging case, with the cases for sets containing internal batteries that allow for charging on-the-go.

The Pixels electronic dice campaign is currently funding on Kickstarter. More than 13 thousand backers have helped raise almost US$2 million dollars in just two days. The campaign still has 27 days left of funding to go. Pledges start at $39 for a single die and $199 for a set in the style of choice: Onyx Black, Hematite Grey, Midnight Galaxy, Aurora Sky, and Clear. If everything goes according to schedule, backers can expect shipments to start March 2022.

Source: Kickstarter