What Zero-Based Handheld Should I Build?

obsidianspider

Today I was near a Micro Center and was able pick up the Pi 3 for my Super Famicom build along with two Pi Zeroes (they're back to $5 each, but still, better than what I've seen in some online shops) and I am thinking about my next project. I know I want to make a RetroPie handheld, but I'm undecided of what form factor I want to go with. I realize there are myriad options.

I want to go with an ABXY button layout so I can play Super Nintendo games, and I've somewhat narrowed down my case/form factor choices to

Gameboy (requires drilling XY holes, adding LR on the back; basically a Gameboy Zero)
Gameboy Advance (requires adding XY holes)
Super Nintendo Controller (requires cutting a hole for a screen, relocating start and select along with trying to fit ten pounds in a five pound bag; this one seems the most difficult and most likely to be beyond my skillset)

…but I'm open to other suggestions. I saw the sweet PSP build that adamspc created, but it looks like they had some custom circuitry involved and designing and building PCBs is WAY beyond my ability right now.

What do you think?

suprjami

@obsidianspider

Build a Pocket or Color with no button modification, so it just plays NES/GBC/SMS/PCE and simple mame4all games. Sell it on eBay for $200+.

I have a broken GBA and an aftermarket GBA housing on the way to try and build a decent ABXYLRSS handheld.

I considered DMG but don't like the idea of adding button hacks on the back, that's beyond my skills to do neatly. A DMG with ABXY and the LR buttons from a GBA SP would be pretty sweet though.

Assault

What about bulding it from the scratch?
PiGrrl Zero
I've build it myself and it's quite cool and fun to play. Also its very simple to build. I've never used a melting iron before but with this tutorial it was straightforward and done within a day.

obsidianspider

@Assault I decided to go with a Gameboy Advance. I don't have easy access to a 3D printer, or I'd look at that route. Maybe a future build.