Summary
- Raspberry Pis can be used to build portable devices like the GamerCard console.
- GamerCard is a pocket-sized console with Raspberry Pi Zero hardware for emulation gaming.
- The GamerCard comes preloaded with two games and is available for £120, with an 8-10 week shipping estimate.
One thing that Raspberry Pis are really good at is squeezing into really small devices. This makes them a potential choice if you want to build a portable device; sure, it may not be as mighty as some other options, but if you don’t need something that’s super powerful, a Raspberry Pi is both an affordable and easy means to get the job done.
While you can use them to make your own devices, you can also purchase pre-built ones that use a Pi at their core. Such is the case with the GamerCard, which is like a miniature arcade you can slip in your pocket.
The GamerCard is a truly “pocket” console you can take anywhere
As spotted by PocketGamer, the GamerCard is a portable console the size of a retail gift card. It achieves this by really going thin and trim on the hardware, which calls for a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W 512MB of RAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ports for HDMI, USB-C, and even Qwicc for breakout modifications.
Here’s how the product page describes it:
A convenient emulation device capable* of running thousands of games from multiple classic systems—ideal for retro fans, developers, and educators alike. Preloaded with two multi-level action games (with more coming soon via our Pi games store app), GamerCard® delivers off the peg gaming in a format everyone understands.
It comes with two games pre-installed: Bloo Kid 2 and AstroBlaze DX. If that’s not enough to sate you, it also comes with the Pi Game App so you can find and install games specifically designed to work with the hardware. And, of course, it’s open to emulation for your fave retro classics.
If you want one, pop over to the GamerCard website and place an order. They’re made in the UK, and one will set you back £120 (around $160). The website says that “deliveries estimated 8-10 weeks,” but that may be for UK-based shipping; you may need to add a week (or four) to that figure if you’re grabbing one from overseas.
It’s no secret that the Raspberry Pi is an excellent retro gaming SBC. If you want some inspiration, here are some pieces we’ve written on the topic: