I think that the Arduino is worth mentioning, even though it fails the "power on to basic" need of the OP. Once setup, it is fairly easy to compile and upload

I think that the Arduino is worth mentioning, even though it fails the "power on to basic" need of the OP. Once setup, it is fairly easy to compile and upload to the board, and there is a lot that you can do with it, if they are not to into making thier own video games.