DIY Raspberry Pi Zero Handheld Game Console

In this project I will show you how I used a Raspberry Pi Zero, NiMH batteries, a homemade over-discharge protection circuit, a rearview lcd and an audio amp to create a handheld game console that can play retro games. Let's get started!

The first video will show you how the electronic components need to get connected and in the second video I will present you how to mount all of the components inside a suitable case. The following steps will provide you with a bit more information after you finished watching the videos.

When it comes to a portable device, batteries are always mandatory. Instead of the more popular LiPo approach, I went with a more beginner friendly power source, NiMH batteries. But even though they are easier to handle they still require an over-discharge protection circuit. Feel free to use the attached schematic and the listed parts to build such a circuit on a piece of perfboard (affiliate links).

Aliexpress:

1x MAX667: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZ44L5l

2x 10k Trimmer: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXywnjZ

1x Slide Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZXwjTZ

1x10µF, 1x47µF Capacitor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_BfjZXdFt

1x MCP602 OpAmp: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d763tU7

4x 1N4148 Diode: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV9KtPZ

5x 10k Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d9EyLbZ

1x BC547 NPN Transistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d86F2fz

1x IRLZ44N N-channel MOSFET: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTF9ycP

Ebay:

1x MAX667: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x 10k Trimmer: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Slide Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x10µF, 1x47µF Capacitor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x MCP602 OpAmp: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

4x 1N4148 Diode: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

5x 10k Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x BC547 NPN Transistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x IRLZ44N N-channel MOSFET: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x MAX667: http://amzn.to/2eRtQTS

2x 10k Trimmer: http://amzn.to/2eRorfT

1x Slide Switch: http://amzn.to/2eRv3KS

1x10µF, 1x47µF Capacitor: http://amzn.to/2dL9dsO

1x MCP602 OpAmp: http://amzn.to/2dLaboV

4x 1N4148 Diode: http://amzn.to/2eRqlNs

5x 10k Resistor: http://amzn.to/2eRqYqo

1x BC547 NPN Transistor: http://amzn.to/2eRuXDp

1x IRLZ44N N-channel MOSFET: http://amzn.to/2dL9WKB

Here you can find a list with all of the other parts that are necessary for this project (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:
1x Raspberry Pi Zero: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWGfTrt

1x NiMH batteries: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTEKVGT

1x 3.5 inch LCD: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYRVbWr

1x PAM8403 Audio Amp: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8AadZl

1x Housing: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUmEPqP

1x Slide Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZXwjTZ

1x 3.5mm Jack: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Bfh8VFnt

1x Potentiometer Wheel: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d63fShp

1x Speaker: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7hiswb

3x Tactile Push Button: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYrF9mP

Ebay:
Raspberry Pi Zero: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1...

NiMH batteries (I recommend Eneloop): http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1...

3.5 inch LCD: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1...

PAM8403 Audio Amp: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1...

Housing: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Slide Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 3.5mm Jack: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Potentiometer Wheel: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Speaker: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

3x Tactile Push Button: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

Raspberry Pi Zero: http://amzn.to/2eFXSgR

NiMH batteries (I recommend Eneloop): http://amzn.to/2e9uw7R

3.5 inch LCD: http://amzn.to/2eG1LCv

PAM8403 Audio Amp: http://amzn.to/2e9qVXc

Housing: http://amzn.to/2eFYXF8

1x Slide Switch: http://amzn.to/2eRv3KS

1x 3.5mm Jack:http://amzn.to/2eRtZac

1x Potentiometer Wheel:http://amzn.to/2eRtBsa

1x Speaker: http://amzn.to/2eJbtTP

3x Tactile Push Button: http://amzn.to/2eJeNOJ

Before mounting the components inside the case it is a good idea to connect them with one another to see whether everything works correctly. Feel free to use my attached "wiring diagram" as a reference. You might also want to try out the GPIOs of the Raspberry Pi as a controller input. Make sure to follow the second attached diagram for that. For more information about the Recalbox OS visit their site: https://www.recalbox.com/

For the audio output you will also need to create a RC filter circuit. The schematic is attached.

If you have problems with the settings of the Recalbox OS you can also use my attached configuration files as a reference or simply replace yours with mine.

During the second part of the video series I explained how I mounted all of the components. Simply repeat all the steps and don't forget to 3D print the plastic cartridge slot and the button wells. I attached the required .stl files.

The button wells though were not created by myself. Here is the site of the original creator (wermy):

http://market.sudomod.com/3d-printed-gbz-button-we...

You can even order them directly from his site and while you are at it you can check out his take on this popular project.

You did it! You just created your own Raspberry Pi Zero Handheld Game Console!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

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