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The RP2350 Gameboy mini is a DIY Hackster.io handheld, not a commercial Nintendo or Raspberry Pi product. Published by Manoch Teachajareonvikul on December 4, 2025, it combines a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (with the RP2350 microcontroller), a 1.54-inch 240×240 ST7789V display, microSD storage, I2S audio and a 3D-printed shell to run Game Boy and Game Boy Color software. The project is a serious maker build: expect hand wiring, battery-safety checks, 3D printing and firmware troubleshooting rather than a ready-to-play appliance.
The complete project files, firmware and enclosure references are on the Hackster project page.
What “RP2350 Gameboy mini” refers to
The name primarily identifies the Hackster design above. It is an open DIY construction inspired by the original Game Boy shape. It is not an official Raspberry Pi-branded handheld, a Nintendo product, or a single retail model. Unrelated marketplace devices advertised as “Mini GB” or using an RP2350 should not be assumed to use this enclosure, firmware or wiring.
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The published build targets original Game Boy (DMG) and Game Boy Color emulation from ROM files on a microSD card. Its color screen also supports menus, cover art, palettes and display effects. The author labels it an intermediate project and lists about four hours of build time; those are the creator’s estimates, not an independently measured result.
#1 Best Overall
- The Raspberry Pi Pico is a beginner-friendly microcontroller board that uses MicroPython to give you a taste of the Internet of Things and microcontrollers. The RP2040 is a well-designed microprocessor that can be utilized in almost any Internet of Things project. It has enough power to complete the task quickly.
- 【Raspberry Pi RP2040 Microcontroller】Raspberry Pi Pico features Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor, flexible clock running up to 133 MHz. With 264KB of SRAM, and 2MB of on-board Flash memory.Supports up to 16 MB of off chip flash memory via a dedicated QSPI bus
- 【Multiple Software Support】Pico has rich and complete software support, it comes with a complete Rasberry Pi official C/C++ SDK, Micropython SDK.The programming and burning of Pico need to be carried out on the computer. Supported operating systems and computers include:Raspberry Pie with Raspberry Pi OS,Other platforms equipped with Debian based Linux system Computer with MacOS, Computers with Windows, etc.
- 【Rich Hardware Interface】Raspberry Pi Pico has 30 GPIO pins, 4 pins for analog signal input and 26 × multi-function GPIO pins, 2 × SPI, 2 × I2C, 2 × UART, 3 × 12-bit ADC, 16 × controllable PWM channels.USB 1.1 supported by host and device, The installation mode can be flexibly selected by users to facilitate welding with other development boards.
- 【Build Project in Tiny Size】Only 2.1cm*5.1cm ( as small as your thumb). Pico has been designed to use either soldered 0.1" pin-headers or can be used as a surface-mountable 'module'.
Core specification
| Part or feature | Project implementation |
|---|---|
| Controller | Raspberry Pi Pico 2 |
| Microcontroller | RP2350, the Pico 2’s second-generation microcontroller |
| Display | 1.54-inch ST7789V SPI TFT, 240×240 pixels |
| Storage | MicroSD/TF module for ROMs, saves and optional artwork |
| Audio | MAX98357 I2S Class-D amplifier and 20 mm, 4-ohm, 2 W speaker |
| Power | 3.7 V, 1,000 mAh 523450 LiPo with a TP4057 USB-C charging board in the listed design |
| Controls | D-pad, A, B, Select, Start and a dedicated Function button |
| Enclosure | Custom 3D-printed front, rear and button parts |
| Target systems | Game Boy and Game Boy Color; no confirmed Game Boy Advance support |
Why the Pico 2 and RP2350 matter
RP2350 is the chip; Pico 2 is the development board carrying it. Raspberry Pi describes RP2350 as a dual Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller running up to 150 MHz with floating-point and DSP capabilities, programmable I/O and more memory options than RP2040. Pico 2 launched with a $5 starting price, although that launch figure is historical rather than a guaranteed current retail price. See Raspberry Pi’s Pico 2 announcement and RP2350 overview.
This is not a Linux Raspberry Pi. The handheld runs purpose-built firmware compiled for the RP2350 and its SPI display, SD interface, controls and I2S amplifier. The chip alone does not determine compatibility: external memory, pin assignments, emulator code, display driver and power circuitry all affect the result.
Parts and build difficulty
The major parts listed by the project are a Pico 2, ST7789V display, MAX98357 amplifier, speaker, microSD module, LiPo cell, TP4057 charger, 5×7 cm prototype PCB, slide switch, five small tactile switches, four metal-dome directional switches, wire, tape and printed enclosure pieces. An optional boost converter is also mentioned.
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- ⚙️【Ready-to-Use RP2040 Development Board】Equipped with pre-soldered pin headers, this RP2040 development board is ready for wiring and prototyping without additional soldering. It is designed for electronics enthusiasts, students, makers, and developers to build and test embedded projects.
These are reference components, not guaranteed interchangeable parts. Connector locations, display bezels, switch heights, PCB outlines and SD-slot positions must match the printed shell. Marketplace links on the project page can change by seller, country and stock.
Recommended assembly order
- Print a test shell and verify the display, switches, battery and module dimensions.
- Cut the prototype PCB so the display can sit flush; mount the panel with thin double-sided tape.
- Install and test the Pico 2 and display before adding other modules.
- Add the SD module, then test card detection and file browsing.
- Wire and test every control, using a common ground across the buttons.
- Add the amplifier and speaker; check polarity and impedance.
- Validate battery and charging voltages with a multimeter, insulate exposed joints and add strain relief.
- Only after subsystem tests pass, secure the boards and fit the rear shell.
Hand-positioned modules make the design accessible but leave more opportunities for loose wires, shorts, poor button contacts and difficult servicing after the case is closed.
GPIO wiring used by the published firmware
| Subsystem | Connections |
|---|---|
| ST7789 display | VCC to 3V3 OUT; SCL GPIO18; SDA GPIO19; RST GPIO21; DC GPIO20; CS GPIO17; BL GPIO22; GND to any ground |
| MicroSD | VCC to 3V3 OUT; MISO GPIO12; CS GPIO13; SCK GPIO14; MOSI GPIO15; GND to any ground |
| MAX98357 | VCC to 3V3 OUT; DIN GPIO26; BCLK GPIO27; LRC GPIO28; GND to ground |
| Controls | Up GPIO2; Down GPIO3; Left GPIO4; Right GPIO5; A GPIO6; B GPIO7; Select GPIO8; Start GPIO9; Function GPIO10 |
These assignments are firmware-specific. A changed wire without a matching configuration change can cause a blank screen, scrambled controls, missing SD storage or distorted audio. Check continuity and rail voltages before connecting the battery.
Rank #3
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series) (This W version has onboard wireless LAN and Bluetooth)
- Switchable Cores: Allows users to choose between dual industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores and dual open-hardware Hazard3 cores
- Compatibility: Delivers a significant performance boost, while retaining software- and hardware-compatible with the 1 series
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step guide with MicroPython, C and Processing (Java) Code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Example Projects: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations (Need extra items)
Battery and charging safety
Do not connect a raw single-cell LiPo directly to a 3.3 V rail. Its voltage changes while charging and discharging. The project’s power arrangement should be copied only after checking the TP4057 board, battery protection, regulator path and Pico 2 connections.
- If using a boost converter, the author warns that its 5 V output belongs on VBUS, not the Pico’s 3V3 rail.
- A charger module is not automatically a complete protected battery-management system. Confirm charge current, protection, temperature and cell quality.
- Protect the pouch cell from puncture, crushing, solder bridges and pressure from the enclosure.
- Switch the supply path consistently, preferably on the VCC side, and verify output with a multimeter before fitting the Pico 2.
Raspberry Pi later documented qualified 5 V-tolerance changes for RP2350 A4 devices, but that does not make arbitrary 5 V peripheral wiring safe. Board revision, IOVDD state and the exact circuit still matter; see the Raspberry Pi qualification.
Firmware and microSD preparation
The project distributes UF2 firmware and an SD-card archive. At the card’s root, create:
Rank #4
- Advanced Dual-Core Processor: Features a 133 MHz ARM Cortex M0+ with 264KB SRAM and 2MB Flash for fast, flexible project development
- Extensive Software Support: Program easily for official Raspberry Pi C/C++ and MicroPython SDKs on Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi OS
- Rich Hardware Interfaces: Offers 30 GPIO pins, 4 analog inputs, and support for SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, and PWM for versatile connectivity
- USB-C powered and ready for diverse applications in DIY electronics, education, and prototyping
- Compact IoT Starter Kit: Ideal for beginners to experience IoT with the efficient RP2040 processor; robust performance and swift task completion
/
├── bios/
├── gb/
└── gbc/
Put DMG ROMs in gb and Color ROMs in gbc. An optional Color BIOS must be named exactly gbc_bios.bin. Cover images go in gb/cover or gbc/cover, resized to 240×240 pixels and saved as RGB565 Windows BMP files. Use a FAT-formatted card and keep a complete backup before changing firmware or experimenting with ROMs.
Choose the correct memory build
The project supplies one firmware variant for the Pico 2’s approximately 4 MB of PSRAM and another for RP2350 boards with more than 4 MB. On the Pico 2 configuration, the author locks out ROM files larger than 4 MB because they cannot be executed safely with the available memory. That is a ROM-file-size limit, not a limit on SD-card capacity. A high-memory UF2 is not automatically compatible with a third-party board, whose PSRAM wiring, GPIO layout and firmware support must be verified.
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- Extract the supplied SD archive to the card root and confirm
bios,gbandgbcare directly visible. - Disconnect Pico 2 power.
- Hold the board’s BOOT button while connecting it to a Windows USB port.
- Wait for the
RPI-RP2removable drive. - Copy the UF2 matching your board and memory configuration to that drive.
- Allow the board to reboot, insert the prepared card and test video, controls, audio and loading.
Menus, display modes and shortcuts
The menu offers Game Boy/Game Boy Color selection, ROM browsing, cover art, game deletion, boot-logo settings and Quick Resume. Function opens settings; Select deletes the highlighted game; Start shows its cover art and launches a game in the relevant interface context.
Best Value
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series)
- Switchable Cores: Allows users to choose between dual industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores and dual open-hardware Hazard3 cores
- Compatibility: Delivers a significant performance boost, while retaining software- and hardware-compatible with the 1 series
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step guide with MicroPython, C and Processing (Java) Code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Example Projects: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations (Need extra items)
- Basic: normal rendering.
- Pixel: a smaller, pixel-oriented image with slightly improved performance.
- LCD: simulated LCD subpixel texture.
- ScanL: scanline effect.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Function + Up/Down | Volume |
| Function + Left/Right | Game Boy palette |
| Function + A | Fast mode; audio is disabled |
| Function + B | Toggle HUD |
| Function + Select | Brightness |
| Function + Start | Exit game |
Keep the HUD enabled while saving: the save indicator appears in the upper-right corner. Removing power while it is visible can corrupt the save.
Compatibility and inherent limitations
The published firmware targets DMG and GBC software, but Game Boy Color support is not a promise of perfect compatibility. Mapper behavior, timing, memory limits and emulator bugs can make individual games fail or show video and audio glitches. The 160×144 Game Boy image also has to fit a square 240×240 panel: pixel-perfect rendering leaves space or a smaller picture, while full-screen scaling can distort the aspect ratio.
The creator describes the source as messy and notes that DMA improvements were attempted but unfinished. Treat it as working hobbyist firmware, not a polished, continuously supported release. NES, Sega Master System and Game Gear are mentioned as possible future directions, not confirmed features of this build. It should not be presented as a Game Boy Advance emulator.
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Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Checks |
|---|---|
No RPI-RP2 drive |
Retry BOOTSEL, use a known data-capable cable and another USB port. If copying interrupts, wait for reboot or re-enter BOOTSEL. |
| Blank display | Check 3.3 V, orientation, SCK/MOSI, CS, DC, reset and backlight wiring. |
| SD card missing | Confirm FAT formatting, card seating, 3.3 V, SPI order and root-level folders. |
| Wrong buttons | Compare every switch with the GPIO table and verify the common ground. |
| No audio | Check DIN, BCLK, LRC, ground, amplifier supply, speaker polarity/impedance and software volume. |
| Lost save | Back up the card; investigate interrupted writes, brownouts, poor media, bad contacts or filesystem corruption. |
| Large ROM fails | Check the ROM size and whether the selected UF2 supports the board’s PSRAM. |
| Battery resets but USB works | Measure regulator output and voltage sag; inspect charger wiring, protection and amplifier current spikes. |
Is it worth building?
Build it if you want a genuinely small RP2350 learning project involving SPI, SD storage, I2S audio, soldering and 3D printing, and you are comfortable validating a LiPo circuit. Avoid it if you want a finished handheld, broad systems such as GBA or SNES, guaranteed compatibility, warranty support or a beginner-friendly assembly.
For alternative software bases, PicoPeanutGB is another Pico 2 DMG/GBC emulator with SD loading and HDMI output, while gb-rp2350 is a Rust emulator offering SD saves, scaling and multiple display-driver options. Neither is drop-in firmware for this ST7789 enclosure. A commercial retro handheld is the more practical choice for larger libraries, easier setup, support and broader console coverage, but it is a different platform rather than an equivalent RP2350 Gameboy mini.
ROMs and legal use
The hardware and emulator do not grant permission to distribute copyrighted games. Use homebrew, public-domain software or files you are legally entitled to possess under the laws that apply to you. Cartridge ownership does not create the same rights in every jurisdiction, and BIOS files may have separate distribution restrictions.
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