Happy Pi Day, everyone! It's that time of year again when we get excited about the tiny and versatile Raspberry Pi. This little computer has been utilized in every way imaginable, in every form and with every combination of many components.

Naturally, I began my Pi days by scouring the web for Raspberry Pi game kits. Almost all of my favorite Pi game starter kits have been removed from the digital shelves; the RetroPie emulator (opens in new tab) is still one of the more popular uses for the Raspberry Pi today, so it makes sense that the cupboards are Pi bare today, more so makes sense.

Of course, you can also build your own RPi game kit (opens in new tab). It would be possible to procure all the components separately, but who will have time to do that in 2023?

Well, what to do, I thought as I scarfed down the breakfast pie I had made especially for Pi Day. Of course, it seemed time to reflect on all the wonderful Pi game projects we have discovered over the years. Then we can experience it vicariously through those who have had the time to build the wonderful Raspberry Pi game handhelds.

One of them is an emulator, one is a stream, and one is more developer-centric. The latter is actually available for purchase, but if you're looking for an alternative to Steam Deck (opens in new tab) emulation, it might not be exactly what you were looking for.

The iNap Malinka is a handheld wireless controller that also functions as a portable retro gaming console. iNap Malinka (opens in new tab) was designed by Leoneq with a Raspberry Pi-based NRF24L01 transmitter that can control all kinds of radio controlled control of all kinds of radio-controlled vehicles.

The shell and Nintendo Switch-style gamepad buttons are 3D printed, while the joystick is a Nintendo Switch replacement part. Assembly does not appear to be too complicated, but special care seems to be needed in the soldering and screen attachment areas.

For those who want to make a cute retro gaming handheld rather than a robot or toy car remote, a version without antenna holes can also be 3D printed.

The Lemonlight v2 (opens in new tab) is the second iteration of a great 3D printed handheld device for streaming PC games by Tombston. Rather than emulate games, Lemonlight streams games directly from the PC, reducing the power load on the tiny Pi-based gadget.

This one has Moonlight (opens in new tab), which unfortunately Nvidia has discontinued support for, so it may not be available soon. Still, it's an incredibly small machine; the Lemonlight v2 is built around a Raspberry Pi Zero W, uses a 1080p AMOLED 5.5" Waveshare panel, and a tinkerBOY 4-Port USB Hub Breakout Board, Wi-Fi dongle, and buttons taken from a number of old controllers are included.

The casing, bumper, and triggers are custom designed, with rounded edges and button placement strongly reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch design.

The Pimoroni PicoSystem (opens in new tab) is designed not to play your favorite old games, but instead to deploy your own games coded in something like C++ Gsephelec's initial demo was exactly this, and is full of Game Boy nostalgia.

It looks like a great foundation for anyone looking to code a simple old-school style RPG as-is on this little system, and serves to show what can be achieved.

It is available from the Pimoroni store (opens in new tab) for $59.