Skip to content

Revamped Gaming Device Reminiscent of Old-School Handhelds, Bearing a Rich Legacy in Classic Gaming

With a Raspberry Pi as its base, the GamerCard boasts a thrilling connection to the ZX Spectrum gaming system.

Retro gaming handheld, GamerCard, boasts a contemporary design while maintaining a strong...
Retro gaming handheld, GamerCard, boasts a contemporary design while maintaining a strong connection to classic gaming roots

Revamped Gaming Device Reminiscent of Old-School Handhelds, Bearing a Rich Legacy in Classic Gaming

Introducing the GamerCard: A Revolutionary Retro Gaming Handheld

British entrepreneur Grant Sinclair, the nephew of Sir Clive, a pioneer in the home video gaming industry, has unveiled a groundbreaking new product: the GamerCard. This compact retro gaming handheld is set to shake up the market, offering a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility.

Size and Weight

Measuring just 128mm x 88mm x 6.5mm and weighing a mere 100g, the GamerCard is over 80% smaller and lighter than many traditional handheld gaming devices[1][4]. Its credit card-like dimensions make it an ideal travel companion, easily slipping into pockets or bags.

Display and Controls

The GamerCard boasts a 4-inch square IPS display with a resolution of 720×720 pixels at 60 fps and a pixel density of 254 PPI, protected by durable sapphire glass[1][2][4]. For controls, it features dual large silicone navigation discs on the front, eight tactile buttons for responsive retro gaming, and two smaller silicone pads on the back serving as shoulder buttons. All control pads come with an anti-bacterial coating[1][2].

Hardware and Storage

Powered by a 64-bit Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, the GamerCard offers smooth emulation performance[1][2][4]. It includes 128GB of internal storage and a rechargeable 1600mAh Li-Po battery that supports extended gameplay sessions[1][2][4].

Audio and Connectivity

The device features enhanced stereo sound via small but powerful front-facing miniature speakers[1][2]. In terms of connectivity, it offers a USB-C port for charging, HDMI output, traditional USB ports for peripherals, and a built-in Qwiic connector for connecting various sensors and modules without opening the device. Additionally, Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi connectivity are built-in[1][2][3][4].

Innovative Construction

The GamerCard's patented next-generation PCB sandwich construction eliminates the need for a traditional casing, making the device ultra-thin, lightweight, and durable while reducing manufacturing waste. The game's graphics are incorporated during PCB production, minimizing printing[1][3][4].

Software and Use Cases

The GamerCard is preloaded with two optimized indie games originally released on the Nintendo Switch (Bloo Kid 2 and AstroBlaze DX). It can emulate thousands of retro titles via OS images like Recalbox, RetroPie, and Lakka. It also supports coding development in MicroPython, C, C++, BASIC, and more, making it suitable for educational purposes and game development, including compatibility with PICO-8 games (with an extra purchase)[3][4].

Availability and Pricing

As of July 2025, the GamerCard is available for approximately £125 (~$171/€145)[2]. It can be purchased directly from grantSinclair.com.

In summary, the GamerCard's distinctive features lie in its ultra-compact, credit card-sized design using innovative PCB sandwich technology, combined with a full Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W computing platform, versatile connectivity, and strong retro gaming and educational capabilities[1][2][3][4]. The GamerCard is set to challenge the status quo in the retro gaming handheld market, offering a unique and portable gaming experience for gamers worldwide.

[1] Grant Sinclair's Official GamerCard Website [2] TechRadar's Review of the GamerCard [3] GamerCard's Compatibility List [4] GamerCard's User Manual

The GamerCard, a compact retro gaming handheld, also supports contemporary technology with the inclusion of smartphones, as it offers Wi-Fi connectivity for online gaming and updates. Additionally, this revolutionary device houses cutting-edge gadgets like the 64-bit Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, which ensures smooth emulation performance for a wide range of video games, including smartphone games that can be emulated on its platform.

Read also:

    Latest