Retro Carnival CM3 (DIY) Handheld Review

Overview

The Retro Carnival CM3 is a DIY handheld gaming device built around the Broadcom BCM2837 system-on-chip, featuring a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.2 GHz and a VideoCore IV GPU. It comes with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM and relies on an external MicroSD card for storage. The device sports a 3.2-inch IPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 480x320 resolution, offering a pixel density of 180.28 PPI. Its metal body measures 149 mm x 60 mm x 17.5 mm and weighs 303 grams. The handheld runs an open-source operating system and provides connectivity via USB and WiFi, along with Mini HDMI video output and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Audio is delivered through dual stereo speakers. The battery capacity is 2920 mAh. Available colors include black, white, red, and yellow.

Key Specs Highlights

• CPU: 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 (Broadcom BCM2837)
• GPU: Broadcom VideoCore IV at 250 MHz
• RAM: 1 GB DDR2
• Display: 3.2-inch IPS, 480x320, 3:2 ratio, 60Hz
• Storage: External MicroSD
• Battery: 2920 mAh
• Weight: 303 g
• Video Output: Mini HDMI
• Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, dual stereo speakers
• Connectivity: USB, WiFi
• Material: Metal

Who It Is For

The Retro Carnival CM3 is aimed at DIY enthusiasts and retro gaming fans who enjoy tinkering with open-source handhelds. It can emulate SNES FX and 3D PS1 games at 60 FPS, while N64 and NDS titles are playable but may not run smoothly. It is not suitable for those seeking a polished, out-of-the-box experience or for demanding modern games.

Buying Notes

As a DIY device, the Retro Carnival CM3 requires assembly and setup. The launch price was $358. Since it is a niche product, availability may be limited. Check for community support and ensure you are comfortable with soldering and software configuration before purchasing.