Yeah I spelled that with a Z. Juzt becauze I can…

I was browsing through DIY Youtube channels, and all of a sudden I saw this:

I knew immediately I was going to build this thing sooner or later, and yeah, it turned out to be sooner. 😉

However, I didn’t want to be dependable on a US supplier, and after some research I was confident I could build my own with parts I can source in Europe.

For the uninitiated, a Raspberry Pi is a creditcard-sized all-in-one computer, which is extremely cheap (34 euro) and relatively powerful. They released a v3 this year, but I figured a raspberry Pi 2 would be more than enough for my needs. It has 4 USB 2.0 ports, ethernet, HDMI out, etc. and also 40 general purpose I/O (GPIO) pins that can be used for whatever you decide to connect to it. Needless to say it is extremely popular with makers and electronics enthousiasts. It can for example be used as a HD mediacenter, so obviously it can handle 8-bit games effortlessly.

But I am running here when I haven’t even learned how to walk. I never even saw a real-life raspberry before this, and although quality documentation is abundant, you always run into unexpected issues when you are a total noob. All in all I sorted most of those issues out pretty easily and a few hours later I had installed the Raspbian OS, installed the retropie/emulationstation software, and configured a wired ps3 controller as a gamepad.

1 pocket-size computer right here:

Installing the Raspbian OS.

YAY I can play Tetris! In full HD! With 2 colors! 🙂

This is a video showcasing some more system emulations and games:

Now this is still a far cry from the gameboy-style handheld device as seen in the original video. But I like to think I’ve made great progress already for the first day! I’ll work from here step by step, and when I’m bored I can always play a round of Pac-man for a minute. I think I will first make a custom case for a NES-style top-box. When I’m comfortable with that, I’ll start working on the handheld.

Things to do:

• get the PS3 controller to work over bluetooth instead of wired – DONE
• get it to boot straight to retropie and recognize the PS3 controller without using keyboard/mouse – DONE
• get rid of the square in the top right corner – DONE
• design a custom case and build the FEZ

For the handheld:

• get a 3.5″ TFT working for the handheld – DONE
• design a custom controller board connected to the GPIO pins – DONE
• get audio working for handheld use – DONE
• get the batterypack/charger working – DONE
• design and build the handheld FEZ

I think I’m good for a while 🙂