This gorgeous handheld gaming console is one of the most beautifully made RetroPie enclosures we’ve ever seen. It’s built around Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.

We first came across this project when user StonedEdge was asking for tips for getting started on our forums way back in 2020. Now, after more than twelve months of work, Retro Lite CM4 is complete.

Features

• Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
• 5.5″ LCD screen
• Stereo audio output via i2s WM8960 Wolfson audio amplifier
• Stereo speakers
• Headphone jack, with automatic switching
• Anodised aluminium housing with resin-cast buttons and D-pad, and dual switch joysticks
• Custom copper heatsink and fan
• AIO PCB including an Arduino (for control input), battery management, and back light boost converter
• 4000mAh battery

A mini HDMI port on the base next to the USB-C charge/data port keeps things as electrically simple as possible. Compute Module 4 has just the one USB port, so the design includes a USB hub circuit to maintain external USB access whilst the internal USB port is occupied by the Arduino.

StonedEdge’s project partner Dmcke5 was tasked with cloning a Nintendo Switch Lite case as closely as possible, and thanks to the anodised aluminium design, the finish is absolutely gorgeous.

They’re both pretty pleased with how the console turned out performance-wise too. It can emulate consoles as powerful as the Dreamcast and PSP at full speed, and the battery lasts about four hours.

The makers thank Daniel Juckett for his brilliant GitHub repo full of everything from his own handheld RetroPie project.