The YARH.IO Micro 2 is a do-it-yourself handheld Linux computer built around a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, a 4-inch touchscreen and a physical keyboard. It is documented as a project to build, not established here as a finished device currently available to buy. Its distinctive keyboard is made by fitting the circuit board and rubber membrane from a small Bluetooth keyboard into a custom enclosure.
What the Micro 2 is—and what it is not
The Micro 2 combines a Raspberry Pi, touchscreen, keyboard and battery in a custom 3D-printed case. Its project documentation includes enclosure files and assembly instructions, so the practical route described is building the handheld yourself. The available sources do not establish a current retail Micro 2 unit.
It is not a Raspberry Pi Zero build: the specified computer is a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. A separate YARH.IO shop listing concerns an M4 prototype marked SOLD; that listing is not evidence that a complete Micro 2 is for sale. See the Micro 2 project page and YARH.IO shop.
What is inside the build?
| Part | Reported configuration | What it means for the build |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, reported with a 1.4 GHz 64-bit quad-core processor and 1 GB SDRAM by Hackster.io in 2021. | The board must be physically modified to fit the case. |
| Display | Pimoroni HyperPixel 4-inch IPS touchscreen, 800 × 480, capacitive touch. | It supplies the compact visual interface and touch input. |
| Keyboard | PCB and rubber membrane salvaged from a small Bluetooth keyboard; the donor model is not specified. | Fit depends on the donor keyboard and case arrangement; universal compatibility is not established. |
| Battery | Removable 3500 mAh lithium-ion battery, as reported by Hackster.io in 2021. | Capacity is given, but no measured operating time is reported. |
| Monitoring and clock | Arduino Pro Micro for battery-status monitoring over I2C and status LEDs; project page also lists a DS3231 real-time clock module. | These are additional electronics integrated into the custom build. |
Component and construction details are described in the Hackster.io project coverage and the YARH.IO project documentation. They are reported specifications, not independent performance tests.
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- 【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.
Why the keyboard makes this handheld distinctive
Instead of relying only on an on-screen keyboard, the Micro 2 incorporates the PCB and rubber membrane from a miniature Bluetooth keyboard. The original keyboard enclosure is not retained as the Micro 2’s outer shell; its key hardware is adapted to the custom case. Hackster.io writer Cameron Coward called it the project’s “star of the show”—an opinion about the design, not a measured assessment.
The donor keyboard’s make and model are not identified in the cited coverage. Anyone recreating the design should treat keyboard fit and integration as a project-specific constraint, rather than assume that any small Bluetooth keyboard will work.
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- COMPACT CASE: The PocketTerm35 hand case provides a portable and robust solution for your Raspberry Pi 4B or Pi 5.
- 3.5-INCH IPS TOUCH SCREEN: The high-quality IPS display with touch function allows clear and responsive operation on the go.
- QWERTY KEYBOARD: The integrated QWERTY keyboard allows comfortable text input and efficient working directly on the device.
- Compatibility: Specially designed for Raspberry Pi 4B and Pi 5, the case ensures a perfect fit and optimal use.
- Mobile terminal: ideal for developers and hobbyists who need a portable terminal for their Pi projects.
What building one involves
Modify the Raspberry Pi board
The reported assembly removes the Pi 3 Model B+ Ethernet connector and replaces its double-stack USB connectors with a single-stack configuration to reduce the board’s profile. This is a significant hardware modification, so the Micro 2 should not be thought of as a plug-and-play kit requiring only ordinary assembly.
Fit the screen, keys and supporting electronics
The HyperPixel display, salvaged keyboard membrane and PCB, battery, Arduino Pro Micro and other listed components must be arranged inside the custom enclosure. The project page provides build documentation and enclosure files, but the cited descriptions do not establish that the task is suitable for every first-time builder.
The Tool Desk
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- Includes a cooling fan
- Works with Official 7" Raspberry Pi display and Raspberry Pi 3,4 or 5
- Works with Raspberry Pi HAT boards
- Two faceplate options included
- Mounting point for Raspberry Pi official camera V1,V2 or V3. Not compatible with HQ camera.
Do not infer battery life from capacity
The listed battery is 3500 mAh. That figure is a capacity, not a runtime: no duration, workload, or test conditions are supplied, so a dependable operating-time estimate cannot be drawn from it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you build or buy a Micro 2?
If you want a compact Raspberry Pi project with physical keys and are comfortable adapting hardware, the Micro 2 documentation offers a basis for recreating the design. If you want a ready-to-use handheld, the cited sources do not confirm that a finished Micro 2 can currently be purchased. The later M4 shop listing is a different project and is marked SOLD.
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- 【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.
Keep the board models distinct when comparing parts: Raspberry Pi Ltd’s April 2024 product brief says the separate Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is expected to remain in production until at least January 2030. That production horizon applies to the Zero 2 W, not the Pi 3 Model B+ used in the Micro 2. See the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W product brief.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enclosure for the 7" Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 (SC1635) and a Raspberry Pi 3,4, or 5
- Also compatible with Waveshare 7inch DSI LCD (H) and 7-DSI-TOUCH-A
- Extra room inside the case for HAT boards or other custom components
- Power, HDMI, and audio jack on the Raspberry Pi are accessible on the back of the case
- Micro SD card is accessible on the outside of the case
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