Retroflag GPi Gameboy Case for Raspberry Pi Zero and W Review

[@amolochitis30]

I like how they added the Raspberry Pi into a virtual cartridge.

[@slappymcphee]

Too bad it isn't an original idea

[@Destide]

@@slappymcphee there are never original ideas.

[@doctordilanka]

@@slappymcphee Good artists copy. Great artists steal.

[@JacobHillSBD]

If this is priced correctly, this could be a good choice for people who've wanted to build a Gameboy Zero but don't have the ability.

[@jcvaluations]

It’s gonna be $69.99

[@Angultra]

I'm fine with using NiMh AA batteries, adds to the retro feel too lol

[@Riga89]

@@Angultra ETA PRIME on KZbin is planning to mod it with a lithium rechargeable battery so check him out

[@MartinPaoloni]

These guys never cease to amaze me. I never wanted a Pi case so bad!

[@TroutButter]

If the price is decent, I'm totally getting this.

[@MrSomeGamerdude]

according to ETA Prime its $69.99

[@khalidhamzakheyl]

In Childhood using a friends game console, I played a game that I never could play anymore as I moved out of the area. I have been hunting the name of the console, the game for years and in this video, I finally found out that the console me and mate that played this game was indeed the gameboy and the "batman". I have spent hours of watching retro games in the hope that I will find this game. This video has become my favourite video ever.

[@ShaunRF]

Price is reportedly $69.99 according to ETA Prime.

[@Helvetica_Scenario]

Are you kidding me? That's amazing!

[@portablesofdoom5021]

@@CaligoMilites $70 for a case, controller (integrated into the case in this instance), and a screen is a phenomenal price.

[@ShaunRF]

@@CaligoMilites sorry, they are not even remotely comparable.

[@Riga89]

@@CaligoMilites I think you don't understand exactly what this product is

[@Riga89]

@@CaligoMilites Gameboy Zero from Retro Gaming Now is 325$ (fully assembled with the Raspberry Zero inside and customizable with different color schemes and other options) so you get the idea of what others have to offer

[@NexXxus86]

the only bad thing is that there is no battery status/indicator, so when the batteries die, the pi starts malfunctioning and restarting itself. So make sure to create backups of your SD card! I hope they can implement an indicator and automatic safe shutdown feature in the IO board firmware.

[@exodous02]

I'm sure Retroflag will come out with another handheld, hopefully in landscape format like the GBA or Game Gear. I'll just wait for that. This is really cool, just not a fan of a Game Boy with shoulder buttons. NO WAIT: They should do the Nomad, start/select, 6 face buttons and two shoulder so it can have all the buttons needed for retropi. select + shoulder could switch the should and c/z buttons like their Genesis controller does now. That would be the best setup.

[@Slacking02]

I really like they way they hid the shoulder button tho!

[@wolffactor56]

I definitely want a game boy advance look, but I agree about that button layout like the Nomad.

[@exodous02]

@@wolffactor56 Yeah, 6 face buttons and two shoulder buttons would give us the 8 needed by retropi. 4 shoulder buttons is hard to do on a handheld though, makes it really chunky.

[@dividion8102]

Nice to see it in action, and I really like the cartridge for the Pi. I'd expect the price tag to be in the $75 range, since it needs so many extra PCB components compared to the other cases. A side-by-side comparison with an original Game Boy would've been nice though. This is definitely smaller, but it's hard to tell how much. For anyone interested in other form factors or info on how to build your own, I'd suggest the Retropie Handhelds facebook group and the sudomod website.

[@smakx7049]

When I saw this announced I expected quality from Retroflag, but it looks like they really knocked it out of the park with clever design. Thanks for the early an thorough overview. I wonder if it will be possible to come up with an alternate cartridge that takes a compute module 3 instead of a zero?

[@macoud12]

I hope a Compute Module version will come in the future.

[@SodaGumX]

and how do you know if they battery are going to die so you can shut down the rightway? they just die and cut the power?

[@adesivado]

Could you try to see if the Banana Pi Zero works in it as well? It has the same form factor and Gpio pinout as RPi0 ASAIK I ask mainly because it's much more powerful and can run SNES and even some PS1 games full speed.

[@adesivado]

UP!

[@International_Criminal_Court]

Really good question. Any answer? Please.

[@Hanutabluta]

such a great channel, I love your honest thoughts at reviews.

[@tweetlikepeet6355]

Which System you are using. Got it, tried recalbox, so bad, tried also the normal retropie and getting cracks in musik, really slow even this normal super mario, maybe 15 fps so slow.

[@MarkDell]

Wow. That looks incredible

[@Angultra]

Thanks for the review, how comfortable are the shoulder buttons? Day 1 buy for me if priced right.

[@nathanhardie6124]

I'm instantly asking can you get an fpga board in there instead of a pi in my head

[@RomanOnARiver]

It's a cool design and I like that there's no soldering, but I'm waiting to see if it's possible to do it with a rechargable battery.

[@owlnonymous]

Great preview. I'm excited for this little device.

[@kreg37]

Crazy how they used the same pinout of the old Game Boy cartridge slot. I suppose there is no way to play original Game Boy games since there is no hardware without the Pi. Which means the pinout is just an unnecessary attention-to-detail nicety, and I’m extremely impressed they took it to that level. I don’t think there’s anything I’d do to change it, except allow for HDMI out for when you want to play on the big screen.

[@darqen]

They should of went with the CM3 pi.

[@PowerOnFun]

Would a flat heat sink on the pi zero/w fit within the cartridge housing?

[@kosztaz87]

Is it reasonable from me to think, that in the future if a new Raspberry Pi zero will come out with newer and faster specs, I would be able to mount it into this case? If this case could be re-used for future R pi zero iterations, it would be an instant buy for me.

[@backlightsnew]

when will it be available? I don't see it on their site yet

[@GameDevAcademy]

Amazing. Thanks for showing this Lon.

[@victorg7036]

Would love a gba version or a game gear version with a bigger screen

[@jothain]

Lon which would you personally buy? This one or is the retrobit that's slightly different form factor.

[@dannyboy42223]

does composite video work on the headphone jack? if so this would be a wicked cool portable gaming system with the option for big screen out. If not no biggie.

[@simbin.]

I'll buy one if isn't too expensive. Freckle Shack no lag for $75 so.

[@jcgp85]

simbin $69.99

[@Angultra]

$69 would be decent. Did they announce the price?

[@jcgp85]

Angultra they sure did

[@Angultra]

jcgp85 Nice, can’t wait

[@sdmods619]

Turn up audio mix volume settings In retropie and turn your volume knob down. Should fix the hissing

[@MrBenMcLean]

Will it be possible to mod it to fix the audio shielding problem?

[@djchewmacca]

I have a small heatsink on my Pi Zero. Trying to figure out if it could be left on. How much room is left between the board and the Zero when stuck together?

[@LonSeidman]

Practically zero I don’t think it’ll fit

[@djchewmacca]

@@LonSeidman Thank you. Looks like I'll have to remove it. It's stuck on good. I hope I don't damage it in the process.

[@petebuka]

Thanks Lon, How does it compare to the Odroid GO ??

[@dctaken]

Once it becomes available, I'm adding it to my collection. I love these types of handhelds (DIY-ish) stuff. Like the Pigrrl from adafruit.

[@neurobioboy]

Awesome! I wanted one soooo badly in my dreams! Can the OTG micro USB (close to the battery compartment) be used to connect a second controller?

[@utubepunk]

Does the sound problem persist with bluetooth headphones?

[@cantonman5594]

Now for the ZERO 2 video.😎 Thank you sir

[@Pehobbes]

Hi! Very informative. Could you consider reviewing the Waveshare GamePi20 case as well? Thanks!

[@keridudouze6143]

thank you, this is a very good and instructive video ! I definitely need this one as soon as it hits the market ;-) I bought a Bittboy, I like the fact that it is a very tiny and cute console but the screen is too small for me.... I think The screen of the Retroflag GPi is the perfect size !

[@vcarriere]

The connector on the top pcb seems broken. That would explain why it doesn't hold much. Usually on those type of connectors there's a brown latching system. Unless its a zif compression connector but it doesn't look like it.

[@vcarriere]

I've since looked at another video of this same device and indeed the connector was broken when you took the video. That's why it was so loose.

[@kntwing23]

if i buy the $5 kit..how do i set it up?where to get roms/emulators? u need to to put on the pie?

[@timmyburden5701]

I am unclear what you are trying to say. This thing is supposed to sell for 70 bucks. However Amazon does not have any for purchase and other retailers are selling the case for 80 dollars. You also have to buy the computer part so that is another 20 bucks. You also have to download and install the software needed for this device and yes that would include getting roms. roms can be found by the bunches by doing a simple google search.

[@SvDKILLSWITCH]

I'd be all over this in a GBA form factor!

[@ricmagus]

Yes, Me too!

[@tonberryhunter]

It already exists. Check out the Freeplay Zero.

[@Cyrus_Nagisa]

Already own theri SNES case, and their SNES, Genesis controllers, all of it great, this looks really nice too

[@jayp3564]

Nice but I'll hold out for V2. Maybe they will do one in Gameboy Color/Advance which is smaller. I might still buy one if the price is right but, I gotta feeling this is going to cost more than $75.

[@Woodenspade]

Yeah, a GBA advance shell and screen would be nice. I already modded my GBA with a new shell and an AGS 101 screen, I'm just lacking a flash cart. Still, this is cheaper than a GBA modded plus a flash cart, so even though it's not in the best shell, it's at least 2-3x times cheaper.

[@neroxire]

It cost 69.99

[@jagardina]

I hope the zero form factor gains more interest from SBC manufacturers. This is very cool.

[@ryaandnice]

Anyone know if PI zero will get better chips over time? So you would have easy upgrade paths for such a nice case?

[@LonSeidman]

It's possible - I'm guessing it would likely be compatible rolling forward but there appears to be some custom patches that have to be installed for the case to work too.

[@AWriterWandering]

I hope they come out with a pi zero 2 at some point. It just needs a little bit oomph to handle those SNES and GBA games.

[@frostbyte11]

I wonder if netplay would would for pokemon trading between two of these.

[@herooftimex3ds]

retroflag has done it yet again! :)

[@cybernitemusic]

I like this but wish I could use a better raspi model than the zero

[@1Robinjoo]

can't wait till it comes out looks good

[@juzzotec]

Ok its nice but AA's? how are you going to know if its about to die. No indicator, mid game and black screen.....

[@diamondmagic5310]

I think that when AA Batteries start running out of power the voltage starts to run low as well. And since the Raspberry Pi has a icon for low voltage. I guess that's how you can know.

[@slappymcphee]

Also the power script just puts the board into a very low power sleep mode; not a true shutdown.

[@drrrrzz9145]

does anyone know the screen resolution and size?

[@thecaptain2281]

@Lon.TV Hey Lon, you didn't mention SNES performance. Did you not get a chance to test or was it not so great? EDIT; Nevermind, standard RPi Zero performance.

[@International_Criminal_Court]

"Standard RPI Zero performance"? Did you find an answer to "SNES"? Is it okay with full frame-rate and smooth motion? Thanks.

[@thecaptain2281]

@@International_Criminal_Court SNES performance is a bit hit and miss. Generally not perfect, but most games are fine.

[@Nigel-Mac]

Lon!!! I would love if you revisit this for the new PI Zero 2!

[@moharush4474]

so still no video about how to set it up with the pi zero no wifi, although you said you will :)

[@جيمرعربي]

Where I can buy it?

[@chriscuthbertson]

I wonder if there gonna sell the cartridges on their own? with a Pi Zero being so cheap you could have a number of cartridges set up.

[@slappymcphee]

But why? I get that the Zero is only 5 bucks, but still other than nerd factor would be a waste.

[@brantwinter]

Where do the ROMs come from?

[@kevin1337ninja]

Very cool!! I'd love to see them sell extra cartridges so that we can have ones that we can label and switch out.

[@RedMageGaming]

that was one of my thoughts too, lol, or maybe someone will hack out a 'mega' cartridge that you can stuff a fullsized pi in or a pi3A+ into for MOAR POWAAAA

[@flamesburnred]

you can change the latency in retroarch

[@jesseling6672]

Can you use a raspberry pi 3 on this?

[@FlintG]

Holy crap this looks so cool! I would so buy it if it's under 100 dollars.

[@kevin1337ninja]

Looks like it is $69.99. I think that's very affordable when you consider everything you're getting.

[@Gdolwell]

i prefer the raspiboy, but this is a welcome addition to the marketplace.

[@foxglove9]

This actually looks pretty nice. I do like Retroflag's other products, but this is next level design. Would be nice to see a Lynx and GBA also with a similar design.

[@bryanmanx]

Nice review. Not sure of your antistatic handling practices of the pi zero lol

[@z3razerviper]

Wow. That is awesome in so many ways.

[@slappymcphee]

Nifty idea, but I'll make a hard pass. The Zero is just too weak. If they went with one of the other SBC manufacturers they could get more horsepower for the same form factor just about. Great example would be the NanoPi Fire3.

[@fortitude9932]

Great video !

[@erikleypoldt8275]

This is fantastic. Will it play SNES ok? The design has been thought out so well. Bravo to Retroflag. Always wanted to build a Pi Gameboy.

[@International_Criminal_Court]

And did you find an answer to "SNES"? Is it okay with full frame-rate and smooth motion? Thanks.

[@MordecaiWalfish]

Very cool Lonye.

[@jdfan0121]

WIsh they had designed it for the Compute module instead of the zero for the better performance but maybe eventually they will make one for that (since they are using the cartridge to hold it they might be able to modify it to fit a compute module. Would also be nice if you could purchase additional cartridges so you could set up one for each emulator (ie. one for GB - one for NES - one for SNES etc.) - SO you could just swap out the cartridge to change consoles rather than having one with all of the consoles.

[@Angultra]

I could see them selling the cartridge as a spare part, that’s not a bad idea. Have different artwork on the cartridge portion as well

[@MzuMzu-nx1em]

Hey man you are class 76 like me . I had a game boy was awesome back at the time .

[@izemanevobike]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@PrinceArtanis]

Where to buy?

[@ChrisLeeW00]

Not available for sale yet.

[@johnhanson5527]

If it’s under $150 I’m sold. Also if I can add a lot of memory to it.

[@Angultra]

They said it’s $70, these will sell like hotcakes.

[@AkaBigWurm77]

Great design, let's hope the price is right

[@jimmothy79]

Will be getting one if the price is right

[@Angultra]

They said it’s $70

[@ThePunis-Her]

My screen stays a black circle......

[@VidActionTV]

Fun! - Dane

[@edstar83]

Might get this.

[@toddhenricksen3313]

Price is released, 69.99

[@Harlock2day]

Mega Drive games on the go please. Also Game Gear and SuperNes.

[@burnzy3210]

struggling to run GBA while being almost $100 all in :/

[@meneerjansen00]

Without shoulder buttons it's gonna be pretty hard to play SNES games....

[@jdfan0121]

That's probably why it has 2 shoulder buttons !! Guess you didn't see them since they blend in pretty well on the backside of the case.

[@meneerjansen00]

@@jdfan0121 Wow! That's good news. I stand corrected. :-)

[@mfmayes]

5 dollars for Pi Zero? cheapest i seen it is 22 dollars

[@pierres567]

Retroflag if you are reading this please make a version of this without the X & Y buttons on the front. everything else is perfect!!

[@nealrobinson7886]

Take my money!

[@Harlock2day]

Sega is really a sleeping company. They could release a Game Gear mini with 30 preinstalled games and sell a ton of units but they prefer to sit on their asses. The Mega Drive Mini is a good idea but I prefer it to be a handheld rather then played on a 50 inch screen, it’s not going to look good.

[@isactucker3788]

5 bucks them were the days lol.

[@Harlock2day]

Why can’t they give you the whole thing working and ready assembled ?

[@PhantomJM]

Licensing issues, mostly. Retropie and the ROMs can't be sold commercially.

[@LonSeidman]

I kinda like these easy to assemble kits.

[@Harlock2day]

@@LonSeidman after looking into it I agree they are easy to assemble but there are plenty who won't even try. I suspect the reason why they don't sell it fully loaded and assemble is down to copyright. Still would be smart to partner up for Game Gear anniversary edition with lots of games included and a rechargeable console.

[@jeffreyrapkin6177]

FINALLY!!!!!

[@alialwahedi4672]

Retroflag did again

[@ManaurysSuazo]

Hope is around 40 to 50 dollars

[@slappymcphee]

No way in hell it will be that cheap. It has an IPS display.

[@Angultra]

It’s $70

[@taxevader7735]

Who’s here before 100 views

[@MarioNintendoh]

Neat!!

[@02337755]

Daddy Like!