Pocket-Sized Game Console

This is the DIY pocket-sized game console that you can take with you anywhere you go. It is cheap and simple to make because it doesn't need any PCB. I used common prototype board and components from aliexpress. Everything is sketched using Fritzing.

Supplies

You will need a Raspberry Pi Zero for this project. You also need the following materials and tools

Materials:

• Prototype board (13x24)
• 6x 8mm buttons these are very soft and good for game controller
• 2x SMD buttons (you can use the same 8mm buttons if you want)
• jumper wires
• 1x20 pin header

Tool:

• soldering iron
• lead

Step 1: Make Your Game Controller

Soldering your game controller following the Fritzing design. I cannot upload the extra part (the SMD button) on Instructable so you can download it from here

Soldering yourself will save you time and money from asking PCB service. Especially we need only one. You just need to carefully follow the Fritzing file for soldering on both sides of the prototype board. Remember to put the 1x20 pin header on the bottom side of the board so it can be mounted on the Raspberry Pi Zero

When everything is done, you can score the board and snap the extra part out of it.

Step 2: Get the Rapsberry Pi Zero Ready

This step has a lot of tutorial on internet, I just sum up the important steps

First, you can install RetroPie on the Raspberry Pi Zero using this link

https://retropie.org.uk/docs/First-Installation/

Then you can install GPIOnext following the instruction here

https://github.com/mholgatem/GPIOnext

Finally, you can config the game controller that you made in step 1 with the command

gpionext config

After configuration, you can restart the Raspberry Pi Zero and you can control your game console with the game pad you just made.

Step 3: Print the Support

I designed the support so there will be no pressure on the Raspberry Pi Zero when we play it. If you need the CAD file, it is here

If you don't have a 3D printer you can ask near by service. It should not be so difficult to get them.

Step 4: Assemble

You can add the supports on two sides of the Raspberry Pi Zero and plug the game pad on it. Please pay attention to the header position. You need to put the header on the line of odd pins of the Raspberry Pi Zero (the ones closer to the center chip)

Step 5: Enjoy

You can use this game console with any kind of display. I tried it with 5-inch LCD, computer's monitor and TV. All you have to do is connecting the HDMI cable and power supply.

If you have any problems, let me know in the comment and I will try my best to help.

Happy making!