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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPiBoy Advance is a DIY Game Boy Advance-style handheld project by Arnov Sharma, not a standardized, ready-made retail console. It puts a custom Raspberry Pi Pico-based circuit in a modified GBA-style shell and runs Game Boy ROMs from an SD card. The documented build uses the original RP2040 Raspberry Pi Pico, an ILI9225 display and a MAX98357 I2S audio module.
What is PiBoy Advance?
PiBoy Advance is a maker project that combines custom electronics with a modified handheld shell. The project instructions describe a Pico running Game Boy ROMs from an SD card, with a small display, speaker and physical buttons. It is one documented build design, not a family of confirmed PiBoy Advance models or evidence of a complete retail product. Arnov Sharma’s project instructions were published on 20 September 2025.
What parts does the documented build use?
| Part | Documented setup | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller board | Original Raspberry Pi Pico with RP2040 | The author reports that the selected software worked with the original Pico, but not Pico 2 or Pico W. Do not treat those variants as drop-in replacements. |
| Display | ILI9225 display module | Confirm the module’s board layout, interface and physical dimensions against the project wiring before buying. |
| Audio | MAX98357 I2S amplifier module and a small speaker | The project used a 1 W speaker, including an example reclaimed from another device; no specific speaker brand is established as necessary. |
| Power | Single-cell 3.7 V, 1000 mAh LiPo with a power-management circuit | This is the author’s example configuration, not a universal battery requirement. Cell dimensions and circuit layout affect fit and runtime. |
| Enclosure | Modified Game Boy Advance-style shell | The project does not establish current shell supply or universal fit with third-party replacement shells. |
The build also requires a custom PCB and physical assembly. Sharma describes surface-mount work using solder paste, ESD-safe tweezers and a reflow hotplate, followed by fitting the electronics and buttons into the shell. The cited build does not document a simpler preassembled-board route, so builders should not assume one is available.
Which Pico board should you choose?
For the software setup documented by Sharma, choose the original Raspberry Pi Pico with the RP2040. The author reports trying Pico 2 and Pico W but says the chosen software worked only with the original Pico. That is project-specific compatibility guidance, not a general claim about what those boards can do with other software.
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#1 Best Overall
- 【3.0" IPS Display】Enjoy immersive gaming with a larger 640x480 high-pixel LCD screen, offering vibrant colors and crisp retro graphics.
- 【2800mAh Rechargeable Battery】Play your favorite classic games for up to 10 hours on a full charge; includes a DC charge port and power cable for uninterrupted gaming.
- 【No Tools Needed Assembly】Features POGO pins that require zero soldering; simply insert your Raspberry Pi Zero/2W and close the case for a secure, solderless connection.
- 【Enhanced Controls】Gain an edge with the added Extra Turbo Button and custom Hotkey, mapped for quick saves, reset, and smooth emulation performance.
- 【A Tribute to Retro Handhelds】Transform your Raspberry Pi into a portable classic gaming rig, perfect for on-the-go travel or reliving childhood memories.
Can you print the enclosure?
Yes. Pinshape’s PiBoy Advance listing includes printable STL files for the shell, buttons and other parts, and identifies the files as downloadable under CC BY-SA. The listing establishes a printable-file option; it does not establish that a complete electronics kit is for sale. Check the model details and compare dimensions with your selected components before printing or buying other parts.
How long does its battery last?
Sharma reports 2.5 to 3 hours of gameplay from his build with a 1000 mAh, 3.7 V LiPo. This is the builder’s result, not an independent test or a guarantee for another unit. Battery choice, power-management implementation and the particular components can affect what a separate build achieves.
Rank #2
- 【Compatibility】Works with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4). CM4 Lite with WiFi is recommended for SD card access. eMMC models not supported.
- 【Handheld Design】Turns your CM4 into a portable retro gaming handheld with built-in controls and screen.
- 【DIY Friendly】Ideal for DIY projects — assemble your own classic game console using Raspberry Pi CM4.
- 【Built-in Battery】Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery inside the case for on-the-go play.
- 【Retro Gaming Display】Features a 3.0-inch TFT screen (640x480 resolution) , perfect for retro game visuals.
Is PiBoy Advance available as a kit or finished console?
The cited project and model pages describe a DIY build and printable enclosure files; they do not establish current availability of a complete kit, finished unit, original GBA shell or every electronic module. Treat the project as a build to source and assemble yourself, and verify component and shell availability before committing to it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![waveshare 1.3inch LCD Game Console, Compatible with Raspberry Pi, 240X240 Resolution, Integrated ST7789 Driver Chip, SPI Communication, Board Only [Video Game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZVlNSRphL._SL160_.jpg)
- 240 × 240 Resolution, Integrated ST7789 Driver Chip, SPI Communication
- 1.3inch IPS screen with ST7789 driver chip, using SPI interface communication
- 65K color display screen, 240 × 240 resolution for clear display effect
- Onboard 12 × customizable buttons for convenient and smooth operations
- Integrated with ST7789 driver chip, using SPI interface communication
Rank #4
- This is a retro game case made for Raspberry Pi 2B / 3B / 3B +; Case with Quick Charger 3.0, refer to ASIN B09R1LVW5R
- It has a simple shape, retro design
- Built-in fan can help raspberry Pi 2B/3B/3B+ cool down during you play games.
- Easy to install;Retro appearance;Superb craftsmanship;Lightweight and compact
- Pacakge Includes:1 x Nes3Pi (with fan inside);4 x Aluminum Heat sink;NOTE: Raspberry Pi is not include in the package!
Rank #3
- 3.5inch IPS screen, 480×320 resolution,60 frame experience, smoothly display, no more frame loss
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi A+/B+/2B/3B/3B+ (Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero W/Zero WH requires another HDMI cable)
- Integrates battery charge circuitry, powered from a 18650 lithium battery (NOT included), plays anywhere anytime
- Battery capacity indicator,onboard speaker and earphone jack, listen to the familiar BGM from the old days
What to know before starting
- Use the original RP2040 Pico for the documented software configuration.
- Check display wiring, interface and dimensions against the project before ordering an ILI9225 module.
- Plan for custom PCB assembly and reflow equipment if following the documented surface-mount route.
- Confirm the chosen battery and power circuit fit the shell; the published runtime is specific to the author’s build.
- Choose either a modified GBA-style shell or the printable project files, and verify fit rather than assuming every shell or replacement part is interchangeable.
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