Board has officially launched its new electronic tabletop gaming system, offering a fresh take on traditional board games just in time for the holidays. Founded by Brynn Putnam, the company has developed a touchscreen gaming platform that combines digital technology with physical game pieces, creating an interactive experience designed for families and friends. With pre-loaded games, monthly releases, and support for community-created content, Board hopes to bring something new to the tabletop. Here's what you need to know about this unusual gaming system!
A new way to experience tabletop gaming
Board is designed to combine the convenience of digital gaming with the hands-on experience of traditional tabletop games. At the centre of the system is its touchscreen, which works alongside specially designed physical pieces to create an interactive gaming experience.
The technology behind this is called PieceSense, a combination of proprietary AI models and specially constructed game pieces. It allows Board to recognise individual pieces, track their positions and respond to their movements in real time. Players can slide, turn or lift pieces, with the system reacting instantly to their actions. This opens up plenty of possibilities for developers, allowing physical components to interact directly with digital environments without requiring complicated device pairing or batteries. Board also places a strong emphasis on social gaming. Rather than creating another experience where everyone stares at their own phone or tablet, the system features a large shared screen designed for people to gather around. Families, couples and groups of friends can play together, whether they're competing against one another or working towards a common goal.
A growing library of games and creative possibilities
Board arrives with several pre-loaded games, covering a wide range of genres including arcade, action, strategy, sports, mysteries, virtual pets and tabletop RPGs. Whether you're looking for something quick and casual or a longer gaming session, the company hopes to offer something for different audiences. New games are expected to arrive monthly, with most titles designed for players aged six and above. Some experiences will also cater to younger children, with games suitable for ages three and up.
The platform isn't limited to games developed by Board itself, either. Third-party developers will be able to use its software development kits to create their own experiences and distribute them through the game's store. There are also plans to introduce Board Studio in Q4 2026. This creation platform will allow families, hobbyists and other users to build their own games and physical pieces, then share their creations with the wider community.
Board Studio will reportedly allow users to describe their ideas in natural language, adjust rules, select artwork and sound effects, and jump straight into playing their creations. It's an ambitious idea that could give the system a much longer lifespan beyond its initial collection of games.
Board arrives for the holidays
Board is currently available through the company's website for $400 per system, positioning it as a fairly substantial investment for anyone interested in exploring this new approach to tabletop gaming.
The company has already attracted some notable attention, with Boards reportedly appearing in the homes of Mick Jagger and Brie Larson, as well as on the Jonas Brothers' tour bus. Schools, hospitals, bars and restaurants are also among the environments where the system has been used. Whether Board becomes a regular fixture in gaming households remains to be seen. Still, its combination of physical components, touchscreen technology, and creative possibilities certainly offers something different from the usual board game experience.
