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Yes. Pi Tin is an open-source handheld gaming project built around a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, and one of its enclosure options fits inside an Altoids Classic tin. It is a demanding DIY build, not a ready-to-use console: the project’s maintainers say the tin version is harder and less ergonomic than their 3D-printed clamshell, and it has 40% less battery capacity. They recommend the 3D-printed version for most builders.
What Pi Tin is—and what the Altoids tin changes
Pi Tin combines a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with a 2.8-inch, 320 × 240 TFT display, controls, speaker, custom circuit boards and a rechargeable battery. The project describes the display as the largest readily available size that fits the tin. Its two enclosure choices are an Altoids tin and a 3D-printed clamshell measuring 93 × 66 × 26.5 mm, according to the Pi Tin project README.
The tin is a real build option, but it is not simply a matter of putting the same components in a smaller shell. The tin’s tight dimensions affect the battery, printed parts, assembly and controls. The project’s hardware guide specifies an Altoids Classic 1.76 oz tin and warns that other brands and sizes will not work.
How the two Pi Tin versions compare
| Factor | Altoids tin | 3D-printed clamshell |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | Altoids Classic 1.76 oz tin; exact size matters, according to the project hardware guide. | 3D-printed case; 93 × 66 × 26.5 mm, according to the project README. |
| Battery | 1200 mAh LiPo, in one of two specified size ranges: 5 × 35 × 62 mm or 5 × 34 × 60 mm. | 2000 mAh battery, as specified by the project. |
| Capacity comparison | 40% lower battery capacity than the 3D-printed version, according to the project maintainers. | 40% higher capacity than the tin version, by the same comparison. |
| Difficulty and ergonomics | More difficult, requires additional tools and experience, and is less ergonomic, according to the project. | The project’s recommended option; it is easier and more ergonomic than the tin build. |
| Extra enclosure work | Requires drilling and finishing the tin, plus several custom printed parts. | Uses a printed clamshell; tin-specific drilling and finishing tools are not listed for this version. |
| Runtime evidence | No tin-version runtime is stated in the project README. | The README reports up to five hours of gaming, tested on this case option with a 2000 mAh battery. |
The five-hour figure is the project maintainers’ result for the 3D-printed version, not a measured estimate for the tin. Actual runtime for an individual build is not established by that figure.
#1 Best Overall
![waveshare 1.3inch LCD Game Console, Compatible with Raspberry Pi, 240X240 Resolution, Integrated ST7789 Driver Chip, SPI Communication, Board Only [Video Game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZVlNSRphL._SL160_.jpg)
- 240 × 240 Resolution, Integrated ST7789 Driver Chip, SPI Communication
- 1.3inch IPS screen with ST7789 driver chip, using SPI interface communication
- 65K color display screen, 240 × 240 resolution for clear display effect
- Onboard 12 × customizable buttons for convenient and smooth operations
- Integrated with ST7789 driver chip, using SPI interface communication
Parts the tin build requires
Both versions depend on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and custom electronics. The hardware guide’s parts list includes:
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. The project says the Pi Zero 1 is untested and probably will not work.
- Pi Tin Main PCB and display interconnect PCB.
- 2.8-inch ILI9341 TFT display with a 50-pin FPC connector, plus the specified display interconnect cable.
- MicroSD card with at least 8 GB of capacity.
- Speaker, faceplate, controls and printed button inserts.
- For the tin version: an Altoids Classic 1.76 oz tin and a 1200 mAh LiPo measuring either 5 × 35 × 62 mm or 5 × 34 × 60 mm.
- Tin-version hardware: six M2 × 8 socket-head screws and four 4 × 2 mm neodymium disc magnets.
- Tin-version printed components: rear housing, display mount, lid stop, lid clip, rear buttons and drill guide.
Component dimensions and connector type matter in this enclosure. A battery with a different outline or a TFT with a different connector should not be assumed to fit. The guide notes that STL files were updated on 2025-06-07, including an Altoids display-mount change for compatibility with displays included in kits. Builders following older instructions or sourcing parts separately should check that their files and components match.
Rank #2
- 【High-Resolution 1.3inch LCD Screen】GamePi13 game console onboard 1.3inch LCD 240x240 resolution, 65K color display screen, integrated ST7789 Driver Chip.It has bright display screen and smooth operation performance
- 【12 Customizable Game Buttons】12 customizable buttons effectively respond for Raspberry PI /RP2040-PiZero controls. Suitable for learning, development and testing Raspberry Pi projects, offering a variety of options for DIY makers
- 【Onboard Audio Output】Output high-quality audio, and the background music that surrounds your ears makes you feel like you're there
- 【SPI Interface for Fast Communication】SPI interface communication is adopted, and the signal transmission is more stable and faster
- 【Versatile Applications】Portable game consoles, Raspberry Pi project extensions, smart IoT devices, science fiction and artwork
Skills and tools to plan for
Pi Tin labels itself an intermediate project. The custom PCBs require advanced soldering skills if you assemble them by hand; the project says a hot plate and hot-air station are ideal for that work. Its listed general tools and materials include:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Narrow-tip soldering iron, solder and flux.
- Clamps, tweezers, flush cutters and a multimeter with continuity mode.
- 1.5 mm hex driver and a microSD reader.
The tin version adds enclosure work and more consumables:
Rank #3
- High-Resolution Display: The Game HAT features a 3.5-inch IPS screen with a 480x320 resolution, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals for an immersive gaming experience.
- Smooth Gameplay: With a 60Hz refresh rate, the display ensures smooth and fluid gameplay, minimizing frame drops and enhancing the overall user experience.
- Wide Raspberry Pi Compatibility: Compatible with Raspberry Pi models A+/B+/2B/3B/3B+/4B. Note that Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero W/Zero WH requires an additional HDMI cable.
- Portable Power Source: Equipped with integrated battery charging circuitry, the Game HAT is powered by a 18650 lithium battery (not included), allowing for portable gaming on the go.
- Integrated Audio Features: The module includes an onboard speaker and an earphone jack, enabling users to enjoy classic game soundtracks and audio effects directly from the device.
- 1/16-inch and 1/8-inch drill bits and a countersink bit.
- Needle files or a rotary tool.
- 91% isopropyl alcohol, thin double-sided tape and cyanoacrylate adhesive.
If you cannot source the custom boards or confidently assemble them, first check the project page for kit options and current contents. The project discusses kits and assembled PCB kits, but availability and contents can change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What games and features to expect
The Pi Tin maintainers say the Pi Zero 2 W can emulate most SNES, GBA, PlayStation 1 and Genesis/Mega Drive games, as well as some N64 games. That is a broad project-level capability description, not a guarantee that every title will run well; performance can vary by game.
Rank #4
- 3.5inch IPS screen, 480×320 resolution,60 frame experience, smoothly display, no more frame loss
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi A+/B+/2B/3B/3B+/4B (Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero W/Zero WH requires another HDMI cable)
- Integrates battery charge circuitry, powered from a 18650 lithium battery (NOT included), plays anywhere anytime
- Battery capacity indicator,onboard speaker and earphone jack, listen to the familiar BGM from the old days
The README also describes a soft power button for powering on or safe shutdown, and says the device is designed for use while charging and for compatibility with USB-C cables and chargers. These are design claims from the project, not independent safety testing.
Is the Altoids version worth building?
Choose the tin if the metal mint-tin form factor is the point of the project and you are comfortable with precise fit, custom electronics and extra enclosure work. Its compactness comes with a real cost in battery capacity, ergonomics and build difficulty.
Choose the 3D-printed clamshell if you want the project’s recommended configuration, a more ergonomic shape and the larger specified battery. The maintainers’ reported runtime result applies only to this version; it should not be used to predict the tin build’s battery life.
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