The electronic hobbyist community has gone crazy for the release of the Raspberry Pi Pico, a dirt-cheap microcontroller board powered by a custom chip. Intended for simple projects, the Pico’s custom RP2040 microcontroller has considerable potential, not least in retro gaming.
Just days after its unveiling, Pimoroni has announced a group of devices based on the RP2040, including a handheld console, the PicoSystem.
Combining the 32-bit dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor (max 133Mhz) RP2040 with a 240×240 IPS screen, joypad, and buttons, this is a pocket-sized games console with a USB Type-C port, Li-Po battery, and 264kB of SRAM. While shipping dates are TBC, the device will cost £58.50, including VAT.
It is ridiculously small. Indeed, it is debatable whether you’ll get to enjoy any authentic retro gaming with the device, especially if you have anything approaching grown up fingers. Still, it should make an interesting-if-expensive keyring…
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
