Raspberry Pi Pico Docking Station Displays Handheld Retro Game Data

News
By Ash Hill
published

A custom docking station for a custom Retro Pie handheld.

Raspberry Pi
(Image credit: StonedEdge)

There are tons of cool Raspberry Pi gaming handhelds that have been created over the years. One that we really appreciate is the Retro Lite CM4 created by a maker known as StonedEdge. This handheld resembles a Nintendo Switch but instead has a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 inside and runs RetroPie. Today we’re sharing a new accessory he’s made that also uses a Raspberry Pi component—an RP2040-powered docking station.

The docking station is designed so that the Retro Lite CM4 can charge while it’s placed in the station. According to StonedEdge, it also works with any other Linux-based RetroPie system. It features a little screen, as well, so you can see stats about your playing history as well as get a look at game data based on whatever you’re playing at the time.

There are three main modes that the screen alternates through including a default splash screen, your gaming history stats as well as a game mode that updates to reflect whatever is currently launched in RetroPie. The charging takes place using a USB-C port while an HDMI port provides video output.

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Raspberry Pi
(Image credit: StonedEdge)

The unit is 3D printed and designed to not just look nice but to also provide access to the hardware and ports for ease of use. The LCD screen is 1.5-inches across and has a resolution of 128 x 128px. There are three USB 2.0 ports available to connect peripherals to, as well. Everything is connected to a custom PCB that sports an RP2040 processor.

StonedEdge provides an in depth look at the software-side of the project over at GitHub. When the system first boots, it displays the default splash screen. Once EmulationStation is running, it starts to show basic system stats like the CPU temperature and IP address. It will also rotate through things like which games you play the most and how often you play them. Lastly, game mode activates when you launch a title.

A lot of work went into this accessory and we really appreciate the time and effort StonedEdge took to bring it to fruition. This is more than a simple dock, it’s a fully functional gadget with custom housing and a unique PCB. Check out the original thread shared to Reddit to get a closer look at this Raspberry Pi project in action.

Ash Hill
Ash Hill
Freelance News and Features Writer

Ash Hill is a Freelance News and Features Writer with a wealth of experience in the hobby electronics, 3D printing and PCs. She manages the Pi projects of the month and much of our daily Raspberry Pi reporting while also finding the best coupons and deals on all tech.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Metal Messiah.
    Like playing old retro games ? Also check this out.

    https://retrododo.com/retropie-handhelds/
    Reply
  • TerryLaze
    Metal Messiah. said:
    Like playing old retro games ? Also check this out.

    https://retrododo.com/retropie-handhelds/
    Pick up an nintendo DSi (The i is important because they are the ones with an sd slot) or an PSP and mod them, they can play a lot of what came before other than their native games and build quality will be much higher.
    PSP can play PS1 games "natively" as well if you convert them.
    Also DSi games are awesome and you need two screens to play them right.
    There is no shortage of second hand portable consoles while a Pi is pretty hard to get.

    I would say nintendo (new) 3ds and vita but those get a bit too expensive for just "I would like to try that" .
    Reply
  • Metal Messiah.
    TerryLaze said:
    Pick up an nintendo DSi (The i is important because they are the ones with an sd slot) or an PSP and mod them, they can play a lot of what came before other than their native games and build quality will be much higher.
    PSP can play PS1 games "natively" as well if you convert them.
    Also DSi games are awesome and you need two screens to play them right.
    There is no shortage of second hand portable consoles while a Pi is pretty hard to get.

    I would say nintendo (new) 3ds and vita but those get a bit too expensive for just "I would like to try that" .

    Yes, I heard DSi is pretty good actually. But are they still selling the original DSi ? Hard to find a NEW one in stock, except the XL variant.

    I'm actually planning to get the SWITCH console pretty soon, just to play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Although, there are Emulators by which we can also play it on the PC, but I want to experience it on Switch. Of course, Switch is on different level though, as compared to the older portable con soles.

    My most favorite game was the good old DONKEY KONG on the "Game and Watch series'.
    Reply
  • TerryLaze
    Metal Messiah. said:
    Yes, I heard DSi is pretty good actually. But are they still selling the original DSi ? Hard to find a NEW one in stock, except the XL variant.
    That's why I talked about used ones, you can get one for 40-50 euros from ebay, locally may even be cheaper than that depending on where you live.
    The Pi handhelds are like $150 to 200 it doesn't make much sense to not go for a steamdeck at that point or a switch like you.
    Reply