Introduction: DIY Raspberry Pi Zero Handheld Game Console

About: Awesome Electronics Tutorials, Projects and How To´s

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!

Step 1: Watch the Videos!

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.

Step 2: Build the Over-discharge Protection Circuit!

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

Step 3: Order the Rest of the Components!

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

Step 4: Create a Prototype!

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.

Step 5: Modify the Case! House the Components!

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.

Step 6: Success!

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

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab