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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →You can make a video game system by assembling a small computer into a TV-connected console, integrating one into a handheld, or designing custom hardware. For most first-time builders, a small-computer console is the most approachable: install an operating system on boot media, connect power, a display and controller, then set up gaming software. If your real goal is to create games rather than build a machine, start with game-development tools instead.
Choose what you want to build
| Goal | Route | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|
| A console for a TV | Assemble a small-computer system | Uses a board, boot storage, power supply, display and controller. |
| A portable console | Build a handheld | Adds an integrated screen and controls, enclosure assembly and portable power planning. |
| Your own console hardware | Develop with an FPGA | Requires hardware design as well as software and system integration. |
| Original games, not a console | Learn game development | Focuses on programming and game design rather than assembling hardware. |
Build a TV-connected console from a small computer
A Raspberry Pi is one documented option. Raspberry Pi’s setup instructions explain how to prepare boot media with an operating system, connect peripherals and a display, and use a power supply suited to the board model. Its magazine has also published a Raspberry Pi 4 and RetroPie classic-games build; treat that as an example rather than a guarantee that every component or software version in the project remains current.
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Gather compatible parts
- Computing board: Choose a Raspberry Pi or another small computer that supports the operating system and gaming software you intend to use.
- Boot storage: A microSD card is commonly used. Raspberry Pi recommends at least 32 GB for Raspberry Pi OS Full and 8 GB for Raspberry Pi OS Lite; other operating systems may have different requirements.
- Power supply: Use a supply appropriate for the exact board model.
- Display and connection: Confirm which display connections your board supports; options vary by model.
- Controller: Choose a controller compatible with the board and software, then configure its inputs.
- Case and cooling: These are useful considerations for a finished build, though a basic setup can be assembled without a finished enclosure.
For board setup, follow Raspberry Pi’s getting-started documentation. For a project example, see the Raspberry Pi Official Magazine’s classic-games console build.
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Set it up
- Choose the board for your intended games and software. Do not assume that every board or gaming program supports every game; check compatibility for your specific target.
- Prepare boot storage. Use the board maker’s current imaging tool and operating-system instructions to write an image to the card or other boot media. Follow the storage requirements for the operating system you select.
- Connect the system. Attach the display and controller, then connect a model-appropriate power supply.
- Install or configure gaming software. RetroPie is one example used in Raspberry Pi’s published classic-games project. Select software based on the system you are building and the games you intend to run.
- Map the controller and test. Check that buttons and other inputs respond as expected, then test the games you plan to play.
Turn the build into a handheld
A handheld uses the same broad idea—small computer plus operating system and gaming software—but adds physical integration. You need to fit the board into an enclosure, provide a built-in display and controls, and plan for battery-powered use. Raspberry Pi Official Magazine documents a project using a Raspberry Pi Zero, a microSD card and a handheld case, including operating-system setup and control configuration.
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That guide describes particular case products, so check current availability and compatibility with your board before treating them as a parts list. It also covers sharing files over a local network; use only game files you have the right to use. See the handheld console guide for the project details.
Design custom console hardware with an FPGA
If your aim is to design the system itself, rather than assemble existing components, an FPGA project is a more advanced route. The Carnegie Mellon University ECE capstone project FP-GAme includes FPGA configuration, kernel modules, user libraries and build instructions. It is a concrete example of the work involved, not a beginner weekend build or evidence that the project reproduces a commercial console. Explore the FP-GAme source project if you want to study this approach.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
If you want to make games, start with software
Building a game-playing machine and programming games for a system are separate projects. Raspberry Pi Press’s Make games with Python covers Python and Pygame topics including sprites, collision detection, gamepad input, sound and simulated physics. Its publisher says the material also works on Windows, macOS and Linux, so you do not need to build a console first to begin learning game development. See the book’s publisher page.
How to choose a route
- Pick a small-computer console if you want a playable, TV-connected project using existing hardware.
- Pick a handheld if portability matters and you are prepared to integrate a display, controls, enclosure and power.
- Pick an FPGA project if your goal is to learn custom hardware and system software, and you are ready for greater complexity.
- Pick Python and Pygame if you want to create original games rather than build a console.
- Compare the full parts list and assembly effort before buying. The total cost depends on the components and route you choose; no current, sourced build total is established here.
For another project reference, Raspberry Pi Official Magazine describes Retro Gaming with Raspberry Pi as a 180-page book in its 2024 listing, covering console and arcade-cabinet projects with step-by-step guides. Check the publisher’s books page for the listing.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Controllers are original OEM (not 3rd party)
- Tested and works well. Nice condition
Rank #3
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