**I Tried the Flipper Zero for Fun and Ended Up Hacking Everything in My Home**

The Flipper Zero is a gadget that can do just about anything - from opening your garage door to playing chess, or even poking at systems you probably shouldn't. But don't worry, it's not as ominous as it sounds. The Flipper Zero is essentially the Swiss Army knife of the digital age, packed with a massive library of open-source tools and games.

At its core, the Flipper Zero is a gamified hacking device with a playful, almost toy-like interface. Imagine a multitool with a built-in mood meter and leveling system that reacts every time you use it. It's designed to interact with a wide range of digital and control systems, and you don't need to be a programmer - or know anything about "hacking" - to get started.

The platform is intentionally beginner-friendly, offering plenty of tools right out of the box without requiring advanced technical knowledge. That said, as I quickly discovered after getting one, the rabbit hole goes deep. The Flipper Zero is an excellent jumping-off point for anyone curious about how control systems work and eager to explore them further.

**Inside the Flipper: Buttons, Sensors, and Signals**

Let's take a closer look at what you get out of the box and how its various features work. You'll find that the Flipper comes in a whimsically decorated cardboard box with a short USB-A-to-USB-C data and charging cable and a quick start guide.

You will need a microSD card to get the Flipper up and running, so make sure you have one at the ready - it's not included. The company has a short YouTube video on how to pick the right card, stressing that you don't need a top-of-the-line, high-capacity card.

The Flipper itself weighs in at 3.56 ounces, giving the device a substantial feel in the palm thanks to its compact size, while remaining light enough to pocket or toss in a bag without being too noticeable. The orange, backlit 1.4-inch LCD is crisp and gets plenty bright for outdoor viewing.

The directional pad has a subtle tactile feel, and each direction, as well as the center button, pulls up different menus. The center button opens the main menu to access apps and settings. The left directional pad takes you to the installed apps list. The down arrow brings up your most recent app selection.

**Getting Started: Your First Steps into Flipper Territory**

Getting the Flipper Zero up and running is pretty straightforward. The first thing you need to do is format the SD card, which can be done directly on the Flipper by going to Settings > Storage > Format SD card. Formatting is required to install the required firmware.

Once you have your card formatted, it's time to get the Flipper Zero companion app (called Flipper) on your smartphone, or download qFlipper on your desktop. The documentation page for qFlipper has a detailed guide for all supported operating systems.

**Who the Flipper Zero Is Actually For**

The Flipper Zero is the most accessible tool of its kind. Last year, I tried building the project that inspired it - the Pwnagotchi. While the build was fun and absolutely worth the time and effort, the final cost wasn't much lower than the base price of a Flipper Zero, and the feature set was far more limited.

By comparison, the Flipper offers significantly more functionality right out of the box, which is why I'd recommend it to anyone interested in control systems or open-source hardware platforms. At a minimum, it's a practical device that can replicate many household devices like remotes and keycards, making it a solid backup if something goes missing.

**Pricing**

The Flipper Zero costs $199, which gets you the device, a USB-C charging cable, and a small vinyl sticker. You can price out additional tools, such as the video game module for $49, a silicone case for $15, or a set of 3 screen protectors for $7.50.

The pricing page also lists more advanced add-ons, such as prototyping boards for building custom modules and a Wi-Fi development board. With its open-source platform and gamified interface, the Flipper Zero is an excellent starting point for anyone curious about how control systems work and eager to explore them further.