The 5 Best Raspberry Pi Gameboy Kits You Can Buy

raspberry pi gameboy

Are you a fan of the Nintendo Gameboy, the retro console that revolutionized handheld gaming? If you are, then you’ll be happy to know that you can now build your own Gameboy gaming kit with the Raspberry Pi. 

With the Raspberry Pi, you can build a variety of Gameboy kits that emulate not only Gameboy but also other consoles.

Moreover – if you’re a hardcore nerd – you can create your own DIY gaming kit complete with 3D printed casing. 

Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of the top Raspberry Pi Gameboy kits and projects that you will find!

Each kit has its unique features – such as screen size, which consoles they emulate, and their battery capacity. You can select the one that suits your budget and capabilities.

Let’s take a closer look at each option:

Super Game Pi

Intermediate DIY Project

The 5 Best Raspberry Pi Gameboy Kits You Can Buy

Meet the Super Game Pi, a cool DIY handheld gaming console with a 5-inch HDMI screen, 12 buttons, a joystick, and stereo speakers. It’s built using a Raspberry Pi A+ and the RetroPie image. With a large screen and advanced features, the Super Game Pi supports a wider range of games and provides enhanced sound and controls.

To make your own Super Game Pi, you’ll need to 3D print a case, hack a SNES controller, and solder some electronics. It runs Emulationstation, so you can play tons of emulators, ports, and PC games.

But heads up, this project is pretty tough and not for beginners. You’ll need some basic 3D printing, electronics, and maker skills, and expect to spend at least 6 hours on it. Make sure you’re familiar with all the parts before diving in!

Retroflag GPi Case

Case Only

The 5 Best Raspberry Pi Gameboy Kits You Can Buy

Retroflag offers a collection of nostalgic GameBoy-inspired cases for the Raspberry Pi, designed to spark memories of the iconic handheld console. These cases not only provide a unique and attractive appearance but also ensure the protection of the Raspberry Pi board.

The Retroflag line includes a variety of models, such as the GPi Case, the NESPi Case, and the SuperPi Case, all catering to different retro gaming enthusiasts.

The GPi Case stands out with its compact and portable design, mimicking the original GameBoy. It houses a Raspberry Pi Zero or Zero W, and its small form factor makes it perfect for on-the-go gaming. The case features a cartridge-style slot for the Pi board, a 2.8-inch display, and built-in buttons for an authentic gaming experience.

It also includes a safe shutdown button that allows you to shut down the Raspberry Pi without risking data loss. It has a compact design and is lightweight, making it easy to carry around. 

Top Tip – If you love retro gaming, check out the rest of their Raspberry Pi cases. With cases that mimic the PS1, PS2, NES, or SNES, you can have the retro gaming setup of your dreams!

PiGRRL Zero

Electronics Kit (Case not included)

The 5 Best Raspberry Pi Gameboy Kits You Can Buy

The Pigrrl zero is another GameBoy-inspired case from Adafruit that retro gaming enthusiasts will love.

The Pigrrl zero kit includes a Raspberry Pi Zero W board, a 2.2-inch display, a 2000mAh battery, and buttons for a complete handheld gaming experience. The case design includes a cartridge slot for the Pi board and speaker grills on either side.

Assembly of the Pigrrl zero is straightforward, and Adafruit provides detailed instructions and support to make the process easy. Additionally, the open-source design allows for modifications and personalization to suit your preferences.

One notable feature of the Pigrrl zero is its audio quality. The 3D-printed case enhances the audio and produces excellent sound, making the gaming experience more immersive.

Overall, the Pigrrl zero offers a fantastic retro gaming experience, and its customization options make it an excellent choice for those looking for a unique and personalized console.

LCL Pi CM4

Complete Kit

The 5 Best Raspberry Pi Gameboy Kits You Can Buy

The LCL Pi CM4 is a GameBoy-inspired handheld console kit that is designed for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. This kit offers a larger screen size of 3.5 inches, making it easier to see the game details and visuals.

The LCL Pi CM4 kit features a 3D-printed case that mimics the design of the original GameBoy. It has built-in buttons that provide a comfortable and authentic gaming experience. The case also includes a battery compartment and a speaker grill for high-quality audio output.

The LCL Pi CM4 kit also features an HDMI output port, which allows you to connect the console to a larger screen for an even better gaming experience. Additionally, the kit includes a safe shutdown button, which helps to protect your data and prevent data loss.

The LCL Pi CM4 kit even comes fully assembled and ready for you to play! Overall, the kit is an excellent choice for retro gaming enthusiasts who are looking for a larger screen size and improved performance. Its compatibility with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and its authentic GameBoy design make it a perfect addition to any retro gaming setup

GamePi43

Complete Kit

The 5 Best Raspberry Pi Gameboy Kits You Can Buy

The GamePi43 is a handheld console kit that offers a compact design and an impressive 4.3-inch screen size. This kit is compatible with Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B boards, making it a versatile option for retro gaming enthusiasts.

The GamePi43 kit features a 3D-printed case that is designed to mimic the appearance of the classic GameBoy Advance SP. The case also includes built-in buttons and a D-pad, providing a comfortable and familiar gaming experience.

One of the key features of the GamePi43 kit is its 4.3-inch IPS display, which offers a resolution of 480×272 pixels. This high-quality screen provides clear and vivid visuals, making it easier to see the details of your favorite retro games.

It also includes a rechargeable battery, allowing you to play your games on the go without needing a power outlet, and a safe shutdown function that helps to prevent data loss and protect your Raspberry Pi board.

Overall, the GamePi43 is an excellent choice for retro gaming enthusiasts who value a compact and portable design with a large screen size. Its compatibility with Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B boards, high-quality IPS display, and safe shutdown function makes it a fantastic option if you’re looking for a portable gaming powerhouse.

buy raspberry pi accessories

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! With this list of Raspberry Pi powered retro gaming consoles you can relive all your memories from the 90s. 

But which one of them is the best? 

In my book, the Gamepi43 takes the top spot. 

For starters, it comes with a quality case and controls, giving it the look and feel of the original Gameboy. But that’s not all, the Raspberry Pi 4 gives you ample computing power and the 4000 mAh battery ensures you can game for hours without worrying about recharging. 

You can combine your passion for all things Pi and indulge in some Super Mario Land, Tetris, Zelda or Pokémn Pinball at the same time. 

Happy retro gaming!

PS. Check out some of our other posts on using a Raspberry Pi as a retro gaming unit, or even a full arcade-style machine!

Erik D

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