Digi Dock (N+) Handheld Review: A Raspberry Pi-Based Gaming Device

N+ · 2019-11-01

Digi Dock (N+) Handheld Review: A Raspberry Pi-Based Gaming Device

The Digi Dock by N+ is a unique handheld gaming device powered by a Raspberry Pi Compute Module, offering a 5-inch IPS touchscreen and a metal build. It runs Windows and is designed for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Overview

The Digi Dock (N+) is a handheld gaming device that leverages the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3B+ architecture. It features a 5-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 800x480, a metal chassis, and runs Windows. The device is aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts who want a portable system for emulating classic consoles.

Key Specs Highlights

  • Processor: Broadcom BCM2711 (Cortex-A72, 1.5 GHz, 4 cores, 4 threads)
  • GPU: Broadcom VideoCore VI (500 MHz)
  • RAM: 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB
  • Storage: External MicroSD
  • Display: 5.0-inch IPS touchscreen, 800x480 resolution, 60Hz, 186.59 PPI
  • Battery: 8010 mAh
  • Weight: 667 grams
  • Dimensions: 205 mm x 99 mm x 23 mm
  • Connectivity: USB x 2, Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI output, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Audio: Dual stereo speakers
  • Material: Metal
  • OS: Windows
  • Price: $200 - $300 (launched at $288)
  • Release Date: November 2019

Who It Is For

The Digi Dock is for retro gaming enthusiasts and tinkerers who appreciate the flexibility of a Raspberry Pi-based system. It can emulate SNES FX and 3D PS1 games at 60 FPS, while N64 and NDS games are playable but not perfectly smooth. It is also suitable for users who want a portable Windows device for light computing tasks.

Buying Notes

As a niche device, the Digi Dock may be hard to find. Check online marketplaces or specialty retro gaming stores. Consider the RAM variant based on your emulation needs; 4GB or 8GB is recommended for smoother performance. The metal build adds durability but increases weight. Ensure you have a MicroSD card for storage, as internal storage is not available.

Specifications
CPUCortex-A72
GPUBroadcom VideoCore VI
RAM1, 2, 4 or 8 GB
NameDigi Dock
BrandN+
Weight667 grams
Battery8010 mAh
StorageExternal MicroSD
SpeakersDual stereo
Grip TypeHorizontal
ProcessorBroadcom BCM2711
Body ColorBlack
Dimensions205 mm x 99 mm x 23 mm
Screen PPI186.59
Price Range$200 - $300
Screen Size5.0 inches
Screen TypeIPS touchscreen
Audio Output3.5mm headphone jack
ConnectivityUSB x 2, Bluetooth, WiFi
Launch Price$288
Release DateNovember 2019
Screen Ratio5:3
Video OutputHDMI
CPU Frequency1.5 GHz
Shell MaterialMetal
Operating SystemWindows
Screen Resolution800 x 480
GPU Core Frequency500 MHz
Screen Refresh Rate60Hz
CPU Cores and Threads4 cores, 4 threads
Emulator Game SupportPi 3B+ model: SNES FX and 3D PS1 (60 FPS), N64 and NDS (playable but not smooth)