Maybe a DIY Gamebuino Meta?

I dont think yet. It's will probably be possible later but i dont think that Aurlien want that it's could be done too early even some in Japan seems to have done it without any complex (but bootloader is specific and could be not safe, it's have to be checked...)

If I could choose, I would take the DIY version as well. I had much fun soldering the makerbuino and it feels much more "your" console if you do it on your own. Of course I will buy the Meta nonetheless, since I want to support the creators, but that doesn't change my preference ;)

I understand that and i think tht Rodot will make it possible later, but he'll answer soon, i think about that ;)

Soon.

Man I love Gamebuino and Gamebuino meta too! As an engineering student and somebody who loves retro games, I have fallen in love with this product. I, just as much as anyone would really love to see open source hardware, but I understand, respect and agree with Rodot not wanting to share everything just yet. I do agree it could hurt the community, and other companies could rip off his design. Also Rodot has already shared so much with us already. 

When it comes the right time to release the hardware, I will be eager in making a home-brewed version, as I do love to build and design, but until then I respect Rodot's decisions. 

A couple of questions (because I'm still new to this community Haha) 

- Does the Meta have a specific bootloader for uploading data through SD? or is it just plug in and play (incase you upload different code onto the device and ruin the pre-installed firmware)

- Is there a plan in the way distant future to make a Gamebuino v3? And if so, do you ever look for ideas from the community? Not that the meta isn't great, but it's always fun to make and design new things. If so I had some cool ides if there's a thread for it.

- Does the Meta have a specific bootloader for uploading data through SD? or is it just plug in and play (incase you upload different code onto the device and ruin the pre-installed firmware)

Yeah, the META has its own bootloader to allow loading .bin files from the SD card easily. You can still USB-upload programs from within the arduino IDE as expected, useful for writing games!

Cool, thanks! 

Was supposed to be a black thumbs up haha XP

Even META can't be open atm you can already use backpacks to make your own extensions (add joysticks, sensors, command motors, add chips to add functionnaliies as wifi communications, accelerometer, asw...)

More than that atm, this abilities are not alots used and shared so if you would do some creations and share it with the community, it's could be great Seon_O.
The is some cool examples as light up leds, command a little arm , link gamebuino to simulate computer keyboard entries or use it as a joystick, ...). I don't think that the hardware with be opened in the next months so i hope you'll make your own creations with the backpacks  ;)