Creoqode Lyra: A DIY Retro Gaming Handheld
Creoqode · 2019-12-01
The Creoqode Lyra is a DIY-focused retro gaming handheld powered by a Broadcom BCM2837B0 chipset (Cortex-A53 CPU, VideoCore IV GPU) and 1GB DDR2 RAM. It features a 5-inch TFT touchscreen (800x480), runs RetroPie, and supports emulation up to PS1 smoothly, with N64/NDS being playable but not always full speed.
Overview
The Creoqode Lyra is a DIY retro gaming handheld designed for enthusiasts who enjoy building and customizing their own devices. It is powered by a Broadcom BCM2837B0 system-on-chip, featuring a 1.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and a Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU clocked at 250 MHz. The device comes with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM and relies on external MicroSD storage. Its 5.0-inch TFT touchscreen display offers a resolution of 800x480 pixels (186.59 PPI) with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 60 Hz refresh rate. The Lyra runs RetroPie, a popular retro gaming operating system, and supports emulation up to SNES FX and 3D PS1 at 60 FPS, while N64 and NDS games are playable but may not run at full speed.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: Broadcom BCM2837B0 (Cortex-A53, 1.4 GHz, 4 cores/4 threads)
- GPU: Broadcom VideoCore IV (250 MHz)
- RAM: 1 GB DDR2
- Display: 5.0-inch TFT touchscreen, 800x480, 16:9, 60 Hz
- Storage: External MicroSD
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Connectivity: USB OTG, HDMI out, 3.5mm headphone jack
- OS: RetroPie
- Dimensions: 186 x 80 x 19 mm
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Black
Who It Is For
The Lyra is ideal for retro gaming fans who enjoy DIY projects and want a customizable handheld. It suits those comfortable with assembling and configuring a device, as it is sold as a kit. The performance is best for 2D and early 3D games up to PS1, making it a good choice for classic SNES, Genesis, and PlayStation titles.
Buying Notes
The Lyra was released in December 2019 with a launch price of $222. It falls in the $200-$300 price range. As a DIY kit, it requires assembly and setup. No official price or release date updates are available beyond the original launch.
| CPU | Cortex-A53 |
|---|---|
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR2 |
| Name | Lyra |
| Brand | Creoqode |
| Battery | 3000 mAh |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | External MicroSD |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2837B0 |
| Body Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 186 mm x 80 mm x 19 mm |
| Screen PPI | 186.59 |
| Price Range | $200 - $300 |
| Screen Size | 5.0 inches |
| Screen Type | TFT Touchscreen |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | USB OTG |
| Launch Price | $222 |
| Release Date | 2019 / 12 |
| Screen Ratio | 16:9 |
| Video Output | HDMI |
| CPU Frequency | 1.4 GHz |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Operating System | RetroPie |
| Screen Resolution | 800 x 480 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 250 MHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 4 cores 4 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | SNES FX and 3D PS1 (60 FPS), N64 and NDS (playable, but may not run smoothly) |