You can build an Arduino game console as either a portable handheld or a desktop arcade setup. Arduino’s current reference project is a 3D-printed handheld powered by the Arduino UNO Q 4GB; a separate desktop route uses the UNO Q’s Debian Linux environment with RetroArch, HDMI video and USB audio.
Choose the kind of console you want to build
“Arduino game console” describes a project category, not one universal kit or finished product. Arduino’s catalog spans more than 100 hardware products, including boards, carriers, shields, kits and accessories. The best starting point depends on whether you want a self-contained handheld or a larger-screen arcade arrangement.
| Build | Display and power | Controls and fabrication | Software route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld reference build | 8-inch DSI touch display; UPS module and 18650 battery hardware | Modulino Buttons and Joystick; 3D-printed enclosure and buttons, with M3 threaded inserts | UNO Q software setup through App Lab; the Project Hub describes the software stage as about half an hour after hardware assembly |
| Desktop arcade alternative | HDMI video to a larger display; fixed power is practical for a stationary setup | Controller can use Modulino nodes or other Arduino-compatible hardware; controls can be full-size | RetroArch running on the UNO Q’s Debian Linux side, with audio over USB |
The handheld is the more self-contained object, but it brings battery, display-connector and enclosure considerations. The desktop route avoids building around an 8-inch DSI panel and portable battery system, while leaving room for a larger display and physical controls. Neither route has a published independent performance benchmark, game-count figure or battery-runtime figure in the cited project material.
Parts for Arduino’s documented handheld console
Zalmotek’s Retro Game Console powered by the Arduino Q, published July 9, 2026, lists these parts:
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Arduino UNO Q 4GB
- Arduino UNO Q Media Carrier
- Modulino Buttons
- Modulino Joystick
- Waveshare UPS Module 3S
- 18650 battery
- Adafruit mono enclosed speaker, 3 W, 4 Ω
- USB-C 2-in-1 PD + data adapter
- Waveshare 8-DSI-TOUCH-A 8-inch DSI touch display
Check connector compatibility and the documented battery and UPS arrangement before buying substitutes: a part that shares a broad category, such as “touch display” or “battery,” is not necessarily a drop-in replacement. The project page supplies the build-specific parts list and assembly guidance.
What building the handheld involves
Plan the enclosure and controls
The documented build uses a 3D-printed enclosure and custom 3D-printed buttons, with M3 threaded inserts. Arduino’s August 6, 2026 project article says it uses standard components available from online retailers, mostly premade cables and wires, and requires no soldering for this design. That makes this particular assembly more approachable than a custom-wired electronics build, though printing and fitting the enclosure remain hands-on work.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Assemble and configure the hardware
Follow the project’s wiring and physical assembly sequence rather than improvising connections. One specific setup detail matters: the three Modulino Button modules initially share I²C address 0x3E. The Project Hub instructions say to renumber two of them before chaining all three, or the address conflict can prevent them from operating as intended.
Set up the UNO Q software
- Install App Lab on a workstation and connect the UNO Q to it over USB-C, following the project instructions.
- Configure the device identity, password and Wi-Fi connection when prompted.
- Enable SSH as described in the setup instructions.
- Use the display drivers appropriate to the current image and the specified DSI display.
- Once the hardware is assembled and App Lab is available, allow about half an hour for the software-side setup described by the Project Hub project; that timing is the project’s estimate, not a general guarantee for every installation.
Build a desktop arcade version instead
For a stationary console, Arduino describes a route using the UNO Q’s Debian Linux side to run RetroArch, with video output over HDMI and audio over USB. A controller can be assembled from Modulino nodes or other Arduino-compatible hardware. See Arduino’s desktop arcade project article for its approach.
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
This is a better fit if your priority is a larger screen, fixed power and accessible full-size controls rather than a compact battery-powered enclosure. Choose the controller hardware and HDMI display around the connections and layout of your actual setup; the article does not establish a universal controller design or a standard list of supported games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Ways to prepare before building
If you are new to Arduino hardware or interactive controls, a learning kit can provide a gentler first project than printing and assembling a console.
Quick Recap
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- The Make Your UNO Kit includes components to build a classic UNO, a synthesiser shield and a 3D interactive soldering guide.
- Arduino’s CTC GO! education page describes classroom hardware for up to 24 students, including eight UNO WiFi Rev2 boards, education shields, breadboards, batteries, cables, sensors and actuators.
- The Plug and Make Kit includes seven Modulino nodes, a Modulino Base, an UNO R4 WiFi and seven example projects. It can help you explore interactive controls before taking on the console enclosure.
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