Game Anywhere with a Raspberry Pi 5-Powered Arcade Stick
The Raspberry Pi 5 packs a surprising amount of power into a tiny form factor, making it perfect for creative builds. While it’s not ready to run cutting-edge AI models, it handles tasks like video game emulation with ease. That’s exactly what inspired Mikey from Mikeys YouTube Makes to create a portable arcade stick powered by a Raspberry Pi 5. The result? A gaming setup you can take anywhere for retro fun on the go.
This clever build puts the Raspberry Pi 5 inside an arcade fightstick shell. You just connect it to a screen, and you’re ready to play. Since all the computing power is housed within the case, it’s easy to carry it wherever you like.
How It’s Made
Mikey 3D-printed the fightstick’s outer shell and outfitted it with high-quality Sanwa buttons and joysticks. Ports on the back let the Raspberry Pi 5 connect to a TV for video output, while USB ports make it easy to plug in additional controllers. If the classic arcade layout isn’t your style for certain games, you’ve got options.
On the software side, Mikey chose Batocera, a user-friendly platform perfect for retro gaming. It’s optimized for a Raspberry Pi 5 and even includes lightgun support. Mikey took advantage of this feature by adding a lightgun to the side of the case, showcasing the full breadth of retro gaming possibilities.
Why It’s Awesome
This project is a dream come true for retro gaming fans who want a portable setup brimming with nostalgia. Whether you’re diving into classic arcade games or experimenting with lightgun shooters, this build has you covered.
If you’re a fan of creative Raspberry Pi projects, don’t miss the time we turned one into a retro gaming powerhouse!
