Skip to main content

LCL Pi Gameboy Review: A DIY Raspberry Pi Handheld

LCL Pi Gameboy Review: A DIY Raspberry Pi Handheld

Overview

The LCL Pi Gameboy, crafted by ChangLiang Li, is a DIY-style handheld gaming console that repurposes a Raspberry Pi (3A+, 3B, or 3B+) into a portable retro gaming machine. It mimics the iconic Gameboy design while packing modern internals for emulating classic consoles up to the PlayStation 1 era. With a large 7000 mAh battery and a 3.5-inch IPS screen, it offers extended play sessions and vibrant visuals.

Key Specs Highlights

  • Processor: Broadcom BCM2837B0 (1.4 GHz) or BCM2837 (1.2 GHz), quad-core Cortex-A53
  • Memory: 512 MB DDR2 (3A+) or 1 GB DDR2 (3B, 3B+)
  • Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 480x320 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, 60 Hz
  • Storage: External MicroSD card
  • Battery: 7000 mAh
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet (3B, 3B+)
  • Audio: Mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Weight: 363 grams
  • Dimensions: 146 x 89 x 31 mm

Who It Is For

The LCL Pi Gameboy is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts and tinkerers who enjoy DIY projects. It suits players who want to emulate systems like SNES, PS1, and N64 on the go, and who appreciate a customizable, open-source platform. However, it may not be for those seeking a polished, out-of-the-box experience, as it requires some setup and knowledge of Raspberry Pi.

Buying Notes

The device was released around 2017 with a starting price of $195, and typically ranges between $150 and $200. It is available in multiple translucent and solid colors. Since it uses a Raspberry Pi, performance varies by model: the 3B+ offers the best speed. Note that N64 and NDS emulation may not be full speed. The device lacks video output and vibration. Check for current availability from third-party sellers or DIY kits.

Specifications
CPUCortex-A53
GPUBroadcom VideoCore IV
NameLCL Pi Gameboy
BrandChangLiang Li
Memory512 MB DDR2 (3A+) / 1 GB DDR2 (3B, 3B+)
Weight363 grams
Battery7000 mAh
SpeakerMono
StorageExternal MicroSD
Grip TypeVertical
ProcessorBroadcom BCM2837B0 / Broadcom BCM2837
Body ColorBlack, Black Transparent, DMG Gray, Orange Transparent, Green Transparent, Transparent, Orange, White
Dimensions146 mm x 89 mm x 31 mm
Screen PPI164.83
Price Range$150 - $200
Screen Size3.5 inches
Screen TypeIPS
Audio Output3.5mm headphone jack
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet (3B, 3B+)
Release Date2017
Screen Ratio3:2
CPU Frequency1.4 GHz (3A+, 3B+) / 1.2 GHz (3B)
Shell MaterialPlastic
Starting Price$195
Operating SystemOpen-source system
Screen Resolution480 x 320
GPU Core Frequency300 MHz
Screen Refresh Rate60Hz
CPU Cores and Threads4 cores 4 threads
Emulator Game SupportSNES FX and 3D PS1 (60 FPS), N64 and NDS (playable, but may not run at full speed)

Full specs and updates on our site: https://www.oldman.dpdns.org/en/handheld/lcl-pi-gameboy

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Retroid Pocket 5 Review: A Powerful Retro Handheld for PS2 and GameCube Emulation

Overview The Retroid Pocket 5 (also known as RP5 or 'Sand Sculpture 5') is the latest retro handheld from Retroid Pocket, designed for gamers who want high-end emulation on the go. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and Adreno 650 GPU, it delivers smooth performance for demanding systems like PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Wii, with some Nintendo Switch titles also playable. The device features a vibrant 5.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 1920x1080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 500 nits brightness, making it ideal for both retro and modern games. Key Specs Highlights Processor: Snapdragon 865 (8-core, up to 2.84 GHz) GPU: Adreno 650 (587 MHz) RAM: 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4 Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1 internal, expandable via MicroSD Display: 5.5-inch AMOLED, 1920x1080, 60Hz, 500 nits, 400.5 PPI Battery: 5000 mAh Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C video output, 3.5mm headphone jack Cooling: Active fan and vents Weight: 280 grams Dimensions: 199.2 x 78.5 x 15....

Anbernic RG Vita Handheld Gaming Console Review

Overview The Anbernic RG Vita is a horizontal handheld gaming console running Android, designed for emulation and mobile gaming. It features a 5.5-inch IPS display with 1280x720 resolution, powered by a Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor (2.0 GHz) with Mali-G52 MP2 GPU. The device includes 3GB LPDDR4X RAM, 64GB eMCP storage, and a microSD card slot for expansion. Key Specs Highlights Processor: Unisoc Tiger T618 (8 cores, 8 threads, 2.0 GHz) GPU: Mali-G52 MP2 (850 MHz) RAM: 3GB LPDDR4X Storage: 64GB eMCP + microSD slot Display: 5.5-inch IPS, 1280x720, 60Hz, 267 PPI Battery: 5000 mAh Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack Sensors: Gyroscope, vibration motor OS: Android Dimensions: 206 x 84 x 18.6 mm, 274g Who It Is For The RG Vita is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a dedicated Android handheld for emulating consoles up to PlayStation Portable and Dreamcast. Its 16:9 screen is also suitable for Android games and str...

Anbernic RG Rotate Review: A Compact 1:1 Screen Retro Handheld

Overview The Anbernic RG Rotate is a distinctive vertical handheld gaming device designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a 1:1 aspect ratio and 720x720 resolution, offering a unique square display ideal for classic games. Powered by the Unisoc T618 octa-core processor (2.0 GHz) with Mali-G52 MP2 GPU and 3GB LPDDR4X RAM, it runs Android OS, providing access to a wide range of emulators and apps. The device comes in plastic or metal shell options, weighing between 167g and 204g depending on material. Key Specs Highlights Display: 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen, 720x720 resolution, 1:1 aspect ratio, 290 PPI, 60Hz refresh rate Processor: Unisoc T618 (Cortex-A75/A55) octa-core @ 2.0 GHz, Mali-G52 MP2 GPU @ 850 MHz Memory & Storage: 3GB LPDDR4X RAM, 32GB internal storage, expandable via TF card slot Battery: 2000 mAh Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 Audio: Single speaker, USB-C audio output Vibration: Yes Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 21 mm Weight:...