When it comes to retro gaming, there are plenty of devices out there that are capable of emulation. While we did come across a $59 retro gaming console with 15,000 preloaded games, its design might feel a bit too outdated for those looking for something that looks and feels like a modern handheld console. That's where the ‘Pi-Deck-5’ Raspberry Pi project comes in.

Over on Reddit, user SquishyAWP shared images of their Pi 5 handheld prototype, a custom-built device designed specifically for retro gaming. It features an ergonomic handheld design with a built-in screen, and its form factor was “intended to be close to the Steam Deck at just under 300mm wide, under 125mm tall, and 50mm tall”. Let's take a closer look at the specifications of this handheld console.

What’s inside the Pi-Deck-5 handheld?

The creator hasn't shared many details about the build process, but they have provided a quick rundown of the specifications and components used for this Raspberry Pi 5 retro handheld. For starters, the handheld can emulate anything a standard Raspberry Pi 5 can, including Nintendo 64, PlayStation 1, and less demanding platforms. As you might have guessed, the main heavy lifter here is the Raspberry Pi 5 itself, but the creator has made some tweaks, desoldering the I/O to make the board thinner.

There is also a small 3.2 microcontroller handling button and joystick inputs, while the display is a generic 5-inch 800×480 IPS HDMI panel. For power, the handheld uses four 18650 lithium-ion batteries to provide a stable power supply, along with a USB Type-C charging board to ensure safe charging and battery management. As mentioned, the device measures around 300mm wide, under 125mm tall, and about 50mm thick – close in size to the Steam Deck.

There is still some work left to do

Overall, the handheld looks well-built and doesn't feel like what you'd expect from a prototype. However, there are some areas that need improvement, and the creator has made a To-Do list on the official GitHub page to address them. The main goal is to make the build process more beginner-friendly, as the initial version involved a few steps that required too much effort, according to the creator. That said, if you have expertise or knowledge to contribute, consider checking out the GitHub page or the Reddit post to help make the Raspberry Pi 5 retro handheld a fully fleshed-out project.

About the Author

Hassam Nasir

Hassam boasts over seven years of professional experience as a dedicated PC hardware reviewer and writer.