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You can make a video game system by assembling a small computer, installing an operating system and gaming software, then connecting a display and controller. A Raspberry Pi-based retro console is a documented entry-level route. A handheld adds a screen, built-in controls, enclosure and battery planning; designing custom console hardware with an FPGA is a much more advanced project. If your real goal is to make games, you can build those separately from the machine.
Choose what you want to build
| Goal | What you build | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Play games on a TV | A small-computer console using a board, boot storage, display and controller | The most straightforward route; Raspberry Pi’s example pairs a Raspberry Pi 4 with RetroPie, a case and controllers. See the project example. |
| Play on a portable device | A handheld with an integrated screen and controls | More assembly and power planning than a TV-connected setup. Raspberry Pi’s guide demonstrates one approach. |
| Design the console hardware | A custom system implemented with an FPGA and supporting software | An advanced electronics and software project. The FP-GAme project includes FPGA configuration, kernel modules, user libraries and build instructions. |
| Create original games | Games that run on an existing computer or system | Learn game programming separately from building a console. Raspberry Pi Press’s Make games with Python covers Python and Pygame topics including sprites, collision detection, gamepad input, sound and simulated physics. |
For a first hardware build, start with the TV-connected small-computer route. Pick your board and software based on the games you want to run: the cited guides do not establish a universal compatibility list, so check support for your particular setup rather than assuming every game will work.
What you need for a small-computer console
- Computing board: A Raspberry Pi or another small computer compatible with your intended operating system and gaming software.
- Boot storage: Usually a microSD card. Raspberry Pi’s current setup documentation recommends at least 32 GB for Raspberry Pi OS Full or 8 GB for Raspberry Pi OS Lite; other operating systems may have different requirements. Check the setup documentation for your board and OS.
- Suitable power supply: Match the supply to the exact board model; Raspberry Pi’s instructions call for a model-appropriate supply.
- Display and connection: Use a screen and connection supported by your board. Display options vary by model.
- Controller: Choose a controller compatible with your system and gaming software, then configure its inputs.
- Case and cooling: These are not essential for every bench setup, but matter for a finished enclosure and can be especially important when fitting a board into a handheld case.
- Operating system and gaming software: Install an OS that supports the board, then choose gaming software suited to your intended games. RetroPie is one documented example, not a universal requirement.
Build a TV-connected game system
- Choose the board and target software. Confirm that the board has the connections and capabilities your intended setup needs. Decide whether you want a retro-gaming environment or another supported option before buying parts.
- Gather compatible components. Prepare the board, storage, model-appropriate power supply, display connection and controller. Add a case or cooling if your enclosure and board need them.
- Prepare boot media. Follow the board maker’s current imaging and operating-system instructions to write an OS image to the storage card. For Raspberry Pi OS, use the storage guidance above; do not assume that requirement applies to other operating systems.
- Connect the system. Attach the display and input devices, then connect power according to the board’s setup instructions. Raspberry Pi’s guide covers setup of peripherals, display and audio as well as power.
- Configure and test. Install or configure your gaming software, map the controller and test the games you expect the system to run. Treat the Raspberry Pi 4 and RetroPie build in The MagPi’s project as an example, not a guarantee that every part or software version in it is still current.
What changes when you build a handheld?
A handheld is not simply a TV console in a smaller case. It needs an integrated display and controls, a portable power plan and an enclosure that fits the board. Raspberry Pi’s guide demonstrates flashing an OS image to a microSD card, fitting a Raspberry Pi Zero into a handheld case and configuring controls. The guide describes specific case products; check current availability and compatibility with your board before treating them as a parts list.
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What it takes to design custom console hardware
An FPGA route means taking on both hardware design and supporting software rather than simply assembling a ready-made computer. The FP-GAme source project provides a concrete example with FPGA configuration, kernel modules, user libraries and build instructions. It is better suited to someone seeking an electronics and systems-software challenge than to someone looking for the quickest path to a playable console. The project description does not establish that it is a beginner build or that it reproduces commercial consoles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Building a system versus making games
These are different projects. To make a playable machine, focus on compatible hardware, boot media, power, display, controls and gaming software. To create your own games, start with a programming environment that runs on a computer you already have. Raspberry Pi Press’s Make games with Python introduces Python and Pygame; its publisher says the material also works on Windows, macOS and Linux.
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Compare effort, portability and cost before buying
- Complexity: A TV-connected small-computer setup involves component assembly and software configuration. A handheld adds enclosure integration and portable power. An FPGA project adds custom hardware and system-software work.
- Portability: A TV build relies on an external display and peripherals. A handheld integrates its screen and controls and needs a portable power solution.
- Compatibility: Choose around the games and software you intend to use, and verify support for your particular board and configuration. The cited sources do not provide a universal compatibility list.
- Learning goal: Choose assembly for a playable console, handheld construction for portable-device integration, FPGA development for custom hardware, or Python and Pygame for original games.
- Budget: Price a complete parts list, including storage, power, controller, display or enclosure as applicable. The cited sources do not establish a current total build price.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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