PiBoy Mini Review: A Compact Retro Gaming Handheld

Overview

The PiBoy Mini is a vertical handheld gaming device designed by Experimental Pi. It runs on a Broadcom BCM2710A1 processor with a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.0 GHz and a Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU at 250 MHz. The device comes with 512 MB LPDDR2 SDRAM and uses an external MicroSD card for storage. Its 3.5-inch IPS display offers a 640x480 resolution at 60Hz with a pixel density of 228.57 PPI. The handheld features WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, a 2800 mAh battery, and runs RetroPie operating system. It supports emulation up to some N64 games.

Key Specs Highlights

• Processor: Broadcom BCM2710A1 (Cortex-A53, 1.0 GHz, 4 cores/4 threads)
• GPU: Broadcom VideoCore IV (250 MHz)
• Memory: 512 MB LPDDR2 SDRAM
• Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 640x480, 4:3 aspect ratio, 60Hz
• Storage: External MicroSD
• Battery: 2800 mAh
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2
• Video Output: Mini HDMI
• Audio: Mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Dimensions: 88 mm x 112 mm x 20 mm
• Weight: Not specified
• Price: $75 - $100 (launch at $90)
• Release Date: April 2024

Who It Is For

The PiBoy Mini is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a compact and affordable handheld for playing classic games from systems like NES, SNES, Game Boy, and some N64 titles. It's also suitable for tinkerers who enjoy customizing their gaming experience via RetroPie.

Buying Notes

Priced between $75 and $100, with a launch price of $90, the PiBoy Mini offers good value for its capabilities. However, note that it only supports up to some N64 games, so it may not handle more demanding systems. The plastic build keeps it lightweight, but the exact weight is not specified. Consider your emulation needs before purchasing.