‘Pocket SNES’ combines controller with console with help from a Raspberry Pi
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The utility of Raspberry Pi is impressive, and with a bit of technical knowledge, anyone can create DIY projects for various use cases. That is exactly what Arnov Sharma did, and he has a history of creating various projects, like the Pi Box V2 (and V1) for retro gaming, as well as a Pokémon game console.
This time around, he decided to create a controller that could easily fit in the palm of your hand and effectively use it as a console that you can take with you anywhere. Keep in mind that it is a recreation of a SNES-style controller (but smaller), rather than using original parts.
Pocket SNES RP2040
The name of this project is the “Pocket SNES” and it utilizes the RP2040 dev board, which is very small, and allows for the console controller to maintain functionality despite being very compact.
Arnov first started by designing the model, and the final version was a PCB, instead of an enclosure housing the components, with the components attached on both sides. At the bottom of the PCB, he attached a frame to give it a better look and for comfort.
There are 8 SMD buttons on the top of the PCB, and the right-angle switches and the RP2040 board itself are on the other side of the PCB. Arnov then ordered custom PCBs of the model he created and went to work by soldering the switches, Raspberry Pi chip, and USB connection on the PCB.
While it may sound straightforward, I'm sure it took a while to get all of this done, but after he completed this, all that was left was the code to ensure the processor understands the button presses and the intended actions for them.
After the final steps, he showcased his hard work and the Pocket SNES was working flawlessly wth old retro games that were made to work with the original SNES. There are no joysticks, so games like Mario, BroForce, and others, where the movement is two-dimensional, work great.
He also conducted some tests, such as using it with other projects he had built before, like the MAC Pi. He installed the PPSSPP emulator and played a couple of games like Moto GP 3 and Dead or Alive Paradise. So, while it isn't the most powerful console out there, you can easily carry it with you in your pocket and would just need a monitor and a cable to start gaming.
His next project is to replace the RP2040 board with the Raspberry Pi PICO W or 2W so that there are WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities for the controller, and then there would be no need for a wired connection. If you're interested in creating this, Arnov has detailed instructions on Instructables or Hackster and even provided the code.
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