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PiBoy Advance is a DIY Game Boy Advance-style handheld built around an original Raspberry Pi Pico with an RP2040 chip. It runs Game Boy ROMs from an SD card, but it is a custom electronics project—not a confirmed ready-made console or standardized kit. The documented build uses an ILI9225 display, MAX98357 I2S audio module, custom circuitry, and a modified GBA-style shell.
What is PiBoy Advance?
PiBoy Advance is a handheld project by maker Arnov Sharma. Its design fits a custom Pico-based circuit into a modified Game Boy Advance-style enclosure. The Pico runs Game Boy ROMs stored on an SD card, with a small display and speaker providing the handheld’s video and audio.
The project is a specific DIY build, not evidence of a retail product with standardized parts, a finished-unit seller, or a complete kit. The primary Hackaday.io project page documents the design and assembly.
What parts does the documented build use?
| Part | Documented choice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller board | Original Raspberry Pi Pico with RP2040 | Arnov Sharma reports that the selected software worked with the original Pico, not Pico 2 or Pico W. Do not treat those variants as drop-in replacements. |
| Display | ILI9225 display module | Check the board layout, interface, and physical dimensions against the project wiring and enclosure. |
| Audio | MAX98357 I2S amplifier module and a small speaker | The build used a 1 W speaker; its example speaker was reclaimed from another device, so no particular branded model is established as required. |
| Power | Single-cell 3.7 V, 1000 mAh LiPo and a power-management circuit | Battery dimensions and circuit implementation affect fit and runtime. The cited capacity is the builder’s example, not a universal specification. |
| Enclosure | Modified GBA-style shell | Shell availability and fit can vary, and the source does not establish that replacement shells fit without modification. |
These are the parts in the documented design, not a guarantee that any similarly named module will fit or work without changes. The author’s project instructions are the reference for its connections and assembly.
#1 Best Overall
- 【3.0" IPS Display】Enjoy immersive gaming with a larger 640x480 high-pixel LCD screen, offering vibrant colors and crisp retro graphics.
- 【2800mAh Rechargeable Battery】Play your favorite classic games for up to 10 hours on a full charge; includes a DC charge port and power cable for uninterrupted gaming.
- 【No Tools Needed Assembly】Features POGO pins that require zero soldering; simply insert your Raspberry Pi Zero/2W and close the case for a secure, solderless connection.
- 【Enhanced Controls】Gain an edge with the added Extra Turbo Button and custom Hotkey, mapped for quick saves, reset, and smooth emulation performance.
- 【A Tribute to Retro Handhelds】Transform your Raspberry Pi into a portable classic gaming rig, perfect for on-the-go travel or reliving childhood memories.
Does PiBoy Advance work with Pico 2 or Pico W?
Not according to the project author’s compatibility report: although Sharma says he tried Pico 2 and Pico W, the software used for this build worked only with the original RP2040 Pico. For the documented design, choose the original board unless you have independently confirmed that a changed software setup supports another model.
How is the handheld assembled?
The documented route involves more than placing a development board in a case. It uses a custom PCB and surface-mount assembly, followed by fitting the electronics and controls into the modified shell.
Rank #2
- 【Compatibility】Works with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4). CM4 Lite with WiFi is recommended for SD card access. eMMC models not supported.
- 【Handheld Design】Turns your CM4 into a portable retro gaming handheld with built-in controls and screen.
- 【DIY Friendly】Ideal for DIY projects — assemble your own classic game console using Raspberry Pi CM4.
- 【Built-in Battery】Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery inside the case for on-the-go play.
- 【Retro Gaming Display】Features a 3.0-inch TFT screen (640x480 resolution) , perfect for retro game visuals.
- Prepare the electronics: follow the project’s wiring and custom-PCB design for the Pico, display, audio amplifier, and power circuit.
- Assemble the PCB: Sharma describes using solder paste, ESD-safe tweezers, and a reflow hotplate for surface-mount components.
- Fit the enclosure and controls: mount the electronics in the modified shell and install the buttons, checking clearances and alignment as you go.
- Verify the finished build: check the display, audio, controls, SD-card ROM loading, and power behavior with the actual parts and shell you assembled.
The cited build documents a custom-PCB/reflow approach; it does not establish a simpler preassembled-board route. Anyone without surface-mount assembly experience should account for that skill and equipment requirement before committing to this version.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can you print the PiBoy Advance enclosure?
Pinshape lists downloadable PiBoy Advance STL files, including top and back body pieces and buttons. The listing identifies the files as available under a CC BY-SA license. That makes printing a project-specific enclosure route possible, but a model listing does not mean a complete electronics kit is for sale.
Rank #3
- 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+ (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
Before printing or sourcing a shell, compare dimensions and mounting details with the electronics you plan to use. The available project information does not confirm current supply of original GBA shells or guarantee that third-party shells fit without modification. See the Pinshape PiBoy Advance listing for the files and license details.
How long does the battery last?
Arnov Sharma reports 2.5 to 3 hours of gameplay from his build using a 1000 mAh, 3.7 V LiPo. This is the maker’s result for that particular build, not an independent test or a guaranteed runtime for another unit. Battery choice, dimensions, power-management implementation, and the assembled hardware can affect the outcome.
Rank #4
- This is a retro game case made for Raspberry Pi 2B / 3B / 3B +; Case with Quick Charger 3.0, refer to ASIN B09R1LVW5R
- It has a simple shape, retro design
- Built-in fan can help raspberry Pi 2B/3B/3B+ cool down during you play games.
- Easy to install;Retro appearance;Superb craftsmanship;Lightweight and compact
- Pacakge Includes:1 x Nes3Pi (with fan inside);4 x Aluminum Heat sink;NOTE: Raspberry Pi is not include in the package!
Is PiBoy Advance sold as a kit or finished handheld?
The cited material documents a DIY project and printable enclosure files; it does not establish current availability of a complete kit, finished handheld, original shell, or every electronic module. Treat PiBoy Advance as a build to reproduce or adapt, not a product you can assume is available ready to buy. The Electromaker project listing also summarizes the design and its components.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![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
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