Retroflag GPi Case Review: A Classic Game Boy-Inspired Retro Handheld
Retroflag · 2019-06-01
The Retroflag GPi Case turns a Raspberry Pi Zero into a nostalgic handheld gaming device. With a 2.8-inch IPS display, RetroPie OS, and support for SNES and PS1 games, it's a DIY-friendly retro gaming solution.
Overview
The Retroflag GPi Case is a handheld gaming shell designed to house a Raspberry Pi Zero (or Zero W). It mimics the classic Game Boy DMG-01 design, complete with a D-pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, and a 2.8-inch IPS display. Powered by the Broadcom BCM2835 processor (1 GHz single-core ARM1176JZF-S CPU and VideoCore IV GPU), it runs RetroPie, a popular emulation OS. The device uses 3 AA batteries for power and connects via Bluetooth and WiFi.
Key Specs Highlights
- CPU: Broadcom BCM2835 (ARM1176JZF-S, 1.0 GHz, 1 core/1 thread)
- GPU: Broadcom VideoCore IV @ 250 MHz
- RAM: 512 MB DDR
- Display: 2.8-inch IPS, 320x240 resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio, 60 Hz refresh rate, 142.86 PPI
- Storage: External MicroSD card
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi
- Audio: Mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Battery: 3x AA batteries
- Dimensions: 135 x 81 x 32 mm, 280 g
- Material: Plastic, DMG Gray color
- OS: RetroPie
- Price: $70 launch, typically $75–$100
- Release: June 2019
Who It Is For
The GPi Case is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who enjoy DIY projects. It requires a Raspberry Pi Zero board (not included) and some setup. It's perfect for playing 2D games from systems like SNES (most run at 60 FPS) and 2D PS1 games (most run well, though not always at full speed). 3D games may struggle. It's not for those seeking a plug-and-play experience or high-end emulation.
Buying Notes
Prices range from $70 to $100, but you'll need to supply a Raspberry Pi Zero and a MicroSD card. The case is well-built and nostalgic, but battery life depends on AA quality. Consider the form factor: vertical grip similar to the original Game Boy. Check for compatibility with your Pi model (Zero or Zero W).
| CPU | ARM1176JZF-S |
|---|---|
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV |
| RAM | 512 MB DDR |
| Name | GPi Case |
| Brand | Retroflag |
| Weight | 280 g |
| Battery | 3x AA batteries |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | External MicroSD |
| Grip Type | Vertical |
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2835 |
| Body Color | DMG Gray |
| Dimensions | 135 mm x 81 mm x 32 mm |
| Screen PPI | 142.86 |
| Price Range | $75 - $100 |
| Screen Size | 2.8 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Launch Price | $70 |
| Release Date | 2019 / 06 |
| Screen Ratio | 4:3 |
| CPU Frequency | 1.0 GHz |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Operating System | RetroPie |
| Screen Resolution | 320 x 240 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 250 MHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 1 core 1 thread |
| Emulator Game Support | Most SNES runs at 60 FPS, most 2D PS1 runs well (not all at 60 FPS), but cannot smoothly play 3D games |