Promotional launch price

* Note : This is a passion project, and i am really proud to bring this to the community. But keep in mind its not a streamlined or manufactured product. I do it on my spare time, and i am preparing some units right now to put on stock soon.Please, click on the waiting list so you will get a notice when any unit become available here.

There's some order options/customization. But Tindie website only shows them when there's units available.Some options make the unit cheaper, like ordering it without batteries and/or the without the RaspberryPi, for instance. So you can add those parts on your own. The manual will receive updates with more and more photos and more detailed informations as the time goes (so it has version numbering).*

What is it?

CompactPi is a Tiny Arcade 3dprinted arcade, designed, and assembled by me, with an amazing HD IPS(60fps) screen. HDMI Output, battery powered, with a fancy oled in the front console, and playful personality. It's custom made, 3d printed, and upgradable. Its the perfect plataform to run emulators like Retropie, Recalbox, Kodi Media center, etc.

Features list :

• Unique and flexible design. Works with any board that use the same form factor as Rpi. Made to look like a RetroToy that was never launched in the 80s, but that "toy" houses a pretty powerful retrogame machine;

• Amazing High Resolution 4 inch IPS Screen that runs at 60fps and 800x480. No tearing, perfect angles and crisp image ! Even tiny texts are readable and sharp. Filters works very well with that resolution, making the games looking even better. With all the build quality of Pimoroni folks;

• It's Battery Powered ! CompactPi is internally powered and charged with the amazing RetroPSU (By AngryHelder). So the pi runs at maximum capacity and the gameplay time is around 6-7 hours. And the internal battery can be easily Replaceable. You can swap the back of the unit along with the batteries by another pack for extra playtime on a long travel, camping, etc. Give a check on Order options for extra battery pack or extra battery pack holder (so you can use your own 18650 cells);

• Loud internal speaker mono sound, with analog volume control knob in the back and stereo headphone outputs for privacy and great original gaming music and sound in its all stereo glory ;

• Balanced and Lightweight. You can play on your hands while walking or commuting, on a table, anywhere. It's not too light or too heavy;

• Front digital logo Oled Screen. The case features a Fancy and tiny front Oled Panel. It shoes version/firmware info at boot time, and the CompactPi Logo all the time. Oled screens are amazing and adds a nice "tech" and exclusiveness touch to the unit.

• Its Future proof ! You can upgrade/replace the main board on it as long it follows the RaspberryPi model B standards/size. Its already compatible with the RasbperryPi 4 too. Please check the options for asking for a RaspberryPi4 version;

• HDMI/1080p Tv Out ! Unlike many DIY handhelds, with CompactPi you can play using the internal screen, OR plug the rear HDMI output (on the back of the unit) to your Tv or monitor and play on the big screen. So you have the best of two works. It's portable and can run as a regular console on Tv.;

• MultiPlayer. You can hook up virtually any USB or Bluetooth Controllers on it. More than one at the same time. It even works with your Playstation3/4 controllers. You have 3 free USB 2.0 to plug 3 extra controllers if you want. You can plug a keyboard and mouse too if you want/need;

• Onboard Wifi. So you can access the internal SDCard Wireless from your computer, to add games or change settings. This feature is available while using RaspberryPi3 or newer models;

• Onboard Bluetooth. So you can use virtually any wireless(BT) controller in the market. You can even use your PS3/P4 or XBox controllers for some multiplayer action.This feature is available while using RaspberryPi3 or newer models;

• Dynamic 3D Printed design/Case.For some parts, like the backplate with the connections, you may want to upgrade in the future for different outputs. Being a 3D printed design allows me to send you the files to print and upgrade it yourself.

• Metal Inserts The case use machine screws, and has metal treaded inserts for sturdy fixing and longevity;

Why did you make it?

I did it for me. Using the best resources i could reach, and over 2 years of small improvements. I love to play on it. Using it's screen or on TV. I always want to have a tiny retromachine to play along my beloved old games, and so i did it.

What makes it special?

I really dig the original design we have here. It's unique, and its not boring. It's not like the majority of flat profile designs we see around. I added some angles to the case wich is VERY uncommon on DIY designer since it makes harder to develop model and build. But adds more personality. I had some headaches just because of those design decisions, but i would not enjoy making some boxed flat console, just because it's easier. So the results worth extra work.

CompactPi has a form factor that resembles those old handheld consoles from Konami and Namco which i always loved, and always wanted. But it's unique on it's own design and personality. It mixes a lot of influences i had and it was made using the best parts i could find.

Front OLED

The unit has a fancy and gorgeous front blue oled. It stands out in the design, and shows CompactPi logo all the time. Note : The light from the OLED will NOT hit your eyes while playing the unit from a sitting position. I designed it in a way that you will barely see the Oled from that positon. BUT, if it bugs you, you can just press the THUMBStick IN (down press) to toggle the Oled to OFF state.

Options

Some parts of CompactPi can be customized (removed/added). That can make the final price go lower or higher, depending on the part. By default the unit is complete with everything essential to work (The MicroSD is not included by default), but if you have some part already you can remove it and save some money. There's some add-ons too and things that you can change, like the finishing for the ThumbStick. The default option for this is the way it came out of the 3D Printer, with the texturized feeling. I confess that i prefer that way, since it increases the grip when playing just with your thumb. But you can choose the sanded option. That gaves it a smoother look/touch to it, but it looks a bit of the grip. It's a matter of taste.

Physical Characteristics :

Default Tech Specs :

• Screen : 4 inch IPS 800x480 60FPs Screen Hyperpixel 4 by Pimoroni;
• Power : 3x18650 Battery cells (Removable) using standard JST 2pin connector;
• Playtime (Charged) : From 6-7 hours, depends on Wifi/bluetooth , temperature, etc;
• Controller : Internal. Arduino controlled. With custom USB HID code;
• ThumbStick : Analog. Standard Ps3/Ps4 Thumbstick with custom 3DPrinted cap. The original CAP from Playstation Stick is supplied if you want to swap the 3dPrinted one;
• Recharging : Use any MicroUsb charger. Minimum 2.5A or 3A;

Whats NOT included (By default) :

• Charging Cable - (You can use any MicroUSB cable;
• HDMI CABLE - Use any HDMI cable;
• A/C Power Charger - You can add as optional on extras or use any MicroUSB 2.5A(min);
• External Controllers - You can use any external usb controllers wired or wireless (bluetooth);
• MicroSD - Suggestion : 32Gb MicroSD Class10. You can add one on options;

Important notes

• As this is something totally HAND assembled and partially handCRAFTED, and a not a streamlined product (yet). I will update available units in stock as soon as i get new units ready to go;
• The idea is to have at least 2 units always available. When one is ordered i will build another one and make it available here;

• The unit is shipped without any boot system, so you need to download and install a copy of Retropie (as a suggestion) for making it an awesome tiny arcade for retro games. It's a free Frontend. It runs very well everything from pong up to Playstation1 games. The games performance will depends on the CPU you use, but RaspberryPi3 is more than capable for most of emulators to run at fullspeed;

• You can use it to play media (Music, videos, movies) on your big tv or on the go and all kind of digital media, using the amazing Kodi Media center (Wich you can install after installing Retropie, and directly from it). That first setup of everything can take up to 1 hour, but it's a simple process. After that the unit will be ready to play with ! ;

• I will make available links for downloading the custom config files and some other custom goodies like exclusive overlay art, and other custom configs made for CompactPi. Here, in the footer of this product page you will find the link for documentation. A versioned PDF that will be updated as needed, with more detailed instructions, overtime. It's easy and i can give some online support to you for helping with any road blocks. Once set, its time to enjoy the unit.