Tiny DIY retro gaming handheld fits inside a small Altoids tin

Tiny DIY retro gaming handheld fits inside a small Altoids tinThe world of portable gaming has exploded in recent years, with handheld PCs sporting impressive specs that can run demanding modern titles. However, these devices...

Mar 27, 2025 - 16:04

The world of portable gaming has exploded in recent years, with handheld PCs sporting impressive specs that can run demanding modern titles. However, these devices often stretch the definition of “portable” with their substantial size, weight, and battery requirements, necessary compromises to deliver high-performance gaming on the go. For many gamers, these bulky handhelds represent a far cry from the pocket-sized Game Boys and other classic portables that defined mobile gaming for generations.

Enter the Pi Tin, an ingenious DIY project that takes portable gaming in the completely opposite direction. This ultra-compact retro gaming system packs everything needed to play classic 8-bit and 16-bit titles into a container no larger than a small Altoids mint tin. The project represents a fascinating intersection of retro gaming nostalgia, modern miniaturized computing, and the maker community’s endless drive to push creative boundaries through clever engineering and design.

Designer: jackw01

The brains of this tiny gaming marvel is the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, a remarkable piece of miniaturized computing that delivers surprising performance despite its diminutive footprint. Even smaller than its credit card-sized sibling, the computer provides enough processing power to emulate classic gaming systems while consuming minimal power, making it perfect for ultra-portable applications. The RPi serves as the foundation upon which the entire project builds, handling both the gaming emulation and interface management.

The custom PCB (printed circuit board) represents perhaps the most impressive technical achievement of the Pi Tin project. This specially designed board connects all components in an incredibly space-efficient manner, accommodating the tiny 320×240 TFT LCD display, a surprisingly capacious 2,000mAh battery, and a complete set of gaming controls including directional buttons and action keys.

While the Altoids tin provides a ready-made enclosure with the perfect retro aesthetic, working with metal containers presents certain challenges for DIY enthusiasts. Cutting precise openings for the screen and controls requires specialized tools and careful handling to avoid sharp edges or structural weaknesses. Many builders opt instead for 3D-printed enclosures that mimic the iconic tin shape while offering greater flexibility for customization and easier modification.

Battery life emerges as another surprising strength of this tiny system, with the 2,000mAh capacity providing several hours of gameplay despite powering both the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and the display. This endurance makes the Pi Tin genuinely practical for everyday carry, allowing gamers to enjoy quick sessions during commutes, lunch breaks, or any moment when modern smartphones feel too connected to the demands of daily life.

The compact dimensions of the Pi Tin create an undeniably authentic retro gaming experience that perfectly matches the bite-sized nature of classic games. Unlike modern titles that demand hours of continuous play, many vintage games were designed for quick sessions, perfect for a device that prioritizes portability over ergonomic comfort. The slight hand cramping after extended play sessions might even trigger nostalgic memories for veteran gamers who grew up with similarly compact handhelds.

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