Retro gaming enthusiasts and DIY tech hobbyists have a new pocket-sized project to get excited about. The Pi Tin represents the latest innovation in ultra-portable gaming, combining the power of Raspberry Pi with nostalgic design elements that fit inside something as small as an Altoids mint tin.
A Minty Fresh Gaming Experience
The Pi Tin, created by makers Jackw01 and Soaporsalad (also known as Alley Cat Engineering), takes portable gaming to new levels of compactness. This ingenious handheld gaming device is built around the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, which despite its diminutive size packs performance comparable to a Raspberry Pi 3. What makes this project particularly unique is its form factor – designed specifically to fit inside an Altoids mint tin or a custom 3D-printed shell of equivalent dimensions.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
At the heart of the Pi Tin sits the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, paired with a 2.8-inch 320x240 TFT display – the largest readily available screen that can fit within the Altoids tin dimensions. Despite its small size, this setup delivers impressive emulation capabilities, handling systems like SNES, Nintendo 64, PlayStation 1, Game Boy Advance, Sega Game Gear, and Atari Lynx. The device particularly excels with SNES, GBA, PS1, and Genesis/Megadrive games, even managing to run some N64 titles.
Pi Tin Specifications:
- Main processor: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
- Display: 2.8" 320x240 TFT
- Controls: Alps tactile switches with elastomer membranes (same as used in Nintendo DSi and Game Boy Advance SP)
- Case options: Modified Altoids tin or custom 3D-printed shell
- Emulation capabilities: SNES, GBA, PS1, Genesis/Megadrive, some N64 games
Authentic Gaming Controls
What sets the Pi Tin apart from similar projects is its attention to tactile feedback. The gamepad doesn't cut corners on quality, incorporating the exact same Alps tactile switches and elastomer membrane design used in the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP and DSi. This thoughtful design choice provides an authentic retro gaming feel that serious enthusiasts will appreciate, bridging the gap between modern DIY technology and classic gaming experiences.
Custom Hardware and Open Source Design
The project relies on custom PCBs that connect the Pi Zero 2 W to the LCD screen and control buttons. In the spirit of open-source hardware, the creators have made these PCB designs freely available on GitHub. Enthusiasts can order their own boards through services like JBLPCB or PCBWay to recreate the project. The housing options include either modifying an actual Altoids tin (with proper insulation for the circuit boards) or 3D printing the provided shell design.
Software Options
On the software side, Pi Tin builders have multiple options. While the official Raspberry Pi OS provides a solid foundation, gaming-focused distributions like RetroPie or Lakka are more suitable for this application, offering streamlined interfaces designed specifically for emulation and game management.
Software Options:
- Raspberry Pi OS
- RetroPie
- Lakka
Accessibility and Build Complexity
Alley Cat Engineering has provided comprehensive build instructions on their website and GitHub repository, though they caution that this project falls into the intermediate skill level. While kits were previously available for purchase, they appear to be out of stock currently. For those interested in tackling the project from scratch, the full documentation includes parts lists and detailed assembly instructions.
Community Inspiration
The Pi Tin joins a growing family of Altoids tin-based Raspberry Pi projects, including the similar MintyPi. These ultra-compact gaming systems demonstrate the remarkable versatility of the Raspberry Pi platform and the creativity of its community. For makers looking to create something both functional and conversation-starting, the Pi Tin represents an appealing challenge that results in a genuinely useful gaming device that can travel anywhere.