DIY Portable Gaming System Fitting within an Altoids Mint Container

DIY Portable Gaming System Fitting within an Altoids Mint Container

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Craving some retro gaming on the go? Well, [jackw01]'s got the perfect solution for you—the Pi Tin-a pocket-size gaming device! This nifty contraption lovingly modeled after the MintyPi (a Raspberry Pi in an Altoids tin) is all set to bring back those nostalgic vibes in a more powerful and portable package!

The building block of our beloved Pi Tin is the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, which delivers a punch with more power while retaining its petite frame. Pair it with a 320 x 240 TFT LCD screen and a 2000 mAh lithium-polymer battery, and you have yourself a pocket-sized powerhouse that'll keep the fun alive, wherever you go!

Two custom PCBs, housing action buttons, a D-pad, and power management hardware, complete the pièce de résistance. If you're into colors, you'll be pleased to find the option of a positively swanky 3D-printed clamshell case in various hues, or, opt for the timeless classic - the Altoids tin (please, be careful while cutting it to fit!). For more details, check out the build files that await you on GitHub!

We dig DIY handheld projects and we're mighty impressed with what the magic of the Raspberry Pi and modern emulation can accomplish. If you're considering building your own handheld gaming unit, don't miss the chance to show us what you've got!

Building a Pi Tin-style clamshell handheld fundamentally resembles the pattern seen in other cyberdeck or handheld builds[1][2]. Witness the steps below, which outline a typical clamshell build procedure based on the most recent data available:

Steps to Build Your Pi Tin-style Clamshell Handheld

1. Hardware Picking- Single Board Computer: Opt for a Raspberry Pi (commonly Pi 4 or Pi 5 for recent projects), or another compact PC board for more muscle[1][2].- Display: Choose a compact LCD screen (often 5–7 inches, HDMI or composite input).- Battery: Select a rechargeable lithium battery (commonly around 3500–9000 mAh) for portability[1].- Input: Add a keyboard or repurpose one, a joystick, or a button panel. Some builds incorporate custom PCBs with tactile switches and QMK firmware for a seamless keyboard experience[2].- Case/Cover: Design or print a clamshell or "tin-style" case, usually via 3D printing or a combination of machined and printed parts[2].

2. Putting It All Together- Securing the SBC: Mount the Raspberry Pi or other board inside the case, often using standoffs or custom brackets.- Mounting the Display: Place the screen in the upper half of the clamshell.- Adding Input Devices: Position the keyboard, joystick, or buttons in the lower half for comfortable typing and control.- Installing Battery and Charging Circuit: Ensure the battery and charging components are safely and conveniently set up for charging[1].- Connecting Everything: Hook up the display, input devices, and battery to the SBC, maintaining clean wire runs for a neater build.

3. Software Setup- Installing the OS: Select and install a lightweight Linux OS or a handheld-focused system (like EmuELEC for retro gaming)[3].- Configuring Inputs: Set up keyboard and joystick inputs as needed.- Extra Options: Install drivers or utilities for additional features (e.g., GPS, 4G modem, camera)[2].

4. Giving It a Test Run- Powering On: Test the device for proper functioning.- Making Adjustments: Refine the case, controls, or software as necessary.- Additional Upgrades: Consider enhancing your device with extra features like a camera, GPS, or better cooling[2].

Hubs for Build Files

• Hackaday: Search through Hackaday's cyberdeck and handheld tags for build logs, inspiration, and files. Builders often share files for 3D printing, schematics, and firmware on GitHub, Thingiverse, or other platforms like Hackaday posts[1][2].
• Specific Example: The creator of the SPACEdeck (Samsung Galaxy S24 clamshell) intends to publish files once the Joycon integration is complete, likely on GitHub or a similar repository, under an open license[1].
• Other Platforms: Discover community repositories or forums dedicated to cyberdecks and Raspberry Pi handhelds. Builders like [Nicholas LaBonte] share detailed instructions, often linking to their design files in Hackaday articles[2].

Summary Table

| Step | Description ||--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|| Hardware Choice | Opt for a SBC, display, battery, input devices, and case || Assembly | Mount components and wire everything inside the case || Software Setup | Install OS, configure inputs, add extra drivers if needed || Testing | Power on, test, and refine the build || Finding Files | Search Hackaday, GitHub, Thingiverse for build files |

For the latest and most comprehensive guides, check Hackaday's cyberdeck section for available project features, as they frequently include links to downloadable files and in-depth tutorials.[1][2]

1. For those interested in expanding their home-and-garden tech collection, the Pi Tin-style clamshell handheld could be an intriguing gadget addition.
2. Despite its small form factor, the Pi Tin handheld is equipped with advanced hardware like the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, making it perfect for playing high-quality games on-the-go.
3. When it comes to creating a custom handheld gaming device, the Raspberry Pi and technology gadgets are not just restricted to the realm of retro gaming; they can be adapted to cater to modern lifestyle preferences as well.

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