At first glance, the High Boy looks like a low-budget gaming handheld or even a vintage iPod knockoff. But under the nostalgic shell, it’s packing some serious tech. Built by High Code, this new device joins the growing list of compact hacking tools offering a sleek Flipper Zero alternative that combines style with open-source flexibility.
High Boy brings a handheld twist to hardware hacking
Unlike the horizontal layout of the Flipper Zero or the minimalist design of the Interrupt, the High Boy sports a vertical form factor with a centered D-pad and button layout. It feels like something you’d find in a kid’s backpack from the early 2000s but it’s actually aimed at developers, tinkerers, and penetration testers.
The High Boy is built on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a versatile chip featuring:
- Dual-core Tensilica LX7 CPU @ 240 MHz
- 512 KB SRAM
- 8 MB flash storage
- 8 MB PSRAM
- Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- 384 KB ROM
This setup enables everything from Wi-Fi testing to NFC scanning all from a device that fits in your palm.
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Packed with wireless tools and expansion options
The High Boy isn’t just about looks. It includes a full suite of wireless tools for experimentation:
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- NFC support
- IR receiver
- CC1101 radio modem for RF sniffing
- GPIO access for external hardware
- microSD card slot for data storage
- USB-C for charging and connectivity
That’s a wide arsenal for a $100 Kickstarter gadget. And while it won’t replace a full suite of tools, it offers a highly portable, hackable platform for day-to-day experimentation or educational use.
High Boy offers more than just good looks
Its 2-inch color display isn’t just for show, it’s functional and clear enough to navigate menus, monitor signals, and display outputs during scans. While it may not rival the Flipper Zero’s OLED in contrast, it adds some visual flair to the experience.
Available now on Kickstarter for early adopters
The High Boy is live on Kickstarter now with a starting price of $100. Early Bird pricing will soon rise to $120, and the full retail price is expected to settle at $140 once the campaign ends. Shipping is currently scheduled for June 2026.
It’s still early days, but the High Boy is shaping up to be a serious contender in the hardware hacking space disguised as a gadget from your childhood.
