Retro console the size of a gift card: Raspberry Pi-based GamerCard unveiled
Retro gaming has received another unusual device - GamerCard, an ultra-thin portable console, which literally fits in your pocket along with your bank cards. The gadget is based on Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and weighs only 100 grams with a thickness of 6,5 mm, resembling a plastic gift card. Instead of the usual case, a stacked board is used, and the back side is completely open - all layers of the printed circuit board are visible.
The device is equipped 4-inch IPS display with 254 ppi density, round touch buttons with tactile membranes and pre-installed arcade games. The built-in launcher offers large icons and support for Recalbox, RetroPie, Lakka and other retro emulators. In addition, GamerCard supports PICO-8 games and can be used for development in MicroPython, C, BASIC and other languages.
Of particular note Bloo Kid 2 and AstroBlaze DX ported from Nintendo Switch, adapted to the console's square screen. The first is a pixel platformer, the second is a space shooter with a retro style. GamerCard also has 128GB of internal memory, 1600mAh battery, USB-C port, HDMI and Qwiic connector for connecting sensors and displays.
At a price £125 (around $170) The new product looks expensive: many devices from Anbernic or Retroid offer higher performance for less money. However, the unique form factor and open architecture make GamerCard attractive precisely as a retro design experiment - more collectible than utilitarian.
