Designing my own Game Console

Published at : 18 Dec 2025

Some time ago I built an arcade machine to play retro games, using a Raspberry Pi and RetroPie to emulate old consoles. Since then, I always wondered if I could also build a handheld game console from scratch, downscaling all the components until I could make it portable enough for the hands. This project moved fast and was finished long time ago, but I had a lot of setbacks. The camera I was using suddenly broke and I couldn't finish the last scenes until very recently.

Step-by-step DIY guide: https://leandrolinares.com/blog/diy-handheld-game-console

Update 1: https://leandrolinares.com/blog/handheld-console-next-steps/
Update 2: https://leandrolinares.com/blog/handheld-console-2nd-update/

Materials (with affiliate links):
- Raspberry Pi (4GB minimum): https://amzn.to/3rEKhcD
- 5" Touchscreen IPS Display 800x480: https://amzn.to/3ryVvPP
- UPS+Battery PiSugar 5000mAh: https://amzn.to/49Uliaz
- Soft Tactile Button 8mm: https://amzn.to/3AlhsWl
- Soft Silicone 6mm Push-Buttons: https://amzn.to/3FN7VbN
- Filament Prusament PETG 1.75mm: https://amzn.to/3qJJ3O0
- Check this guide for a more detailed list of materials: https://leandrolinares.com/blog/diy-handheld-game-console
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Timestamps:
0:00 First prototype
0:37 Display
1:05 Buttons
1:58 Battery
2:29 Wiring
3:51 Case
5:33 Reveal