Yo, so retro gaming is back, like when you find an old mixtape in a drawer and go, “Wow, this still slaps.” Seriously, it’s everywhere. From these little handheld gadgets you can toss in your bag to software that lets you relive those 8-bit days on your couch, it’s like the past just phoned and said, “Hey, let’s hang.” And now, there’s this tiny contraption by Grant Sinclair—yes, related to that Sinclair. Somehow, this thing has decided it’s gonna be as tiny as a gift card. Mind. Blown.
Okay, video time—a YouTube clip, if you want to see this in action. But back to Grant, nephew to Sir Clive Sinclair, the guy who made the ZX Spectrum happen—like, he basically turned a generation into computer nerds. Funny how the apple falls right under the nostalgia tree, huh? We’ll zoom back to the main attraction.
Say hello to the GamerCard®. Powered by Raspberry Pi. A screen that looks sharp—254 PPI, whatever that means—and there are these button-like things for your thumbs. Honestly, feels like a "grab it and play" kinda deal. Big, fun arcade games ready to rock.
And, here’s what you gotta know: a quirky little interface that’s not just for games, but there are emulators with names like Recalbox and RetroPie. Plus, you can code—didn’t think that was on the agenda, did ya? Maybe a bit of MicroPython or C++ if you’re feeling like a tech wizard.
Now, throwing some indie games into the mix—Bloo Kid 2 and AstroBlaze DX. Converted from being Nintendo exclusives. Imagine that. Jumping platforms in pixel art, or shooting through space—feels like the 90s decided to take a nostalgia tour into today’s pixels.
So, picture this: a gadget so thin it might just disappear in your pocket at 6.5mm. Ever seen a device hanging at a checkout like it’s an everyday card? Yup, this one does. Stacked PCBs make it happen—no extra casing, just the essentials. You play right on the board, like it’s DIY gaming at its purest.
But wait, there’s more—a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W at its core, which is apparently a tiny yet mighty thing. With a quad-core processor, 128GB storage, and a battery that keeps chugging along. Need to connect external things? Got a Qwiic connector in there. Handy, right?
Of course, it rocks a USB-C and HDMI, turning it into a mini-computer if you want to go full geek with a keyboard and mouse. Cool and all, but let’s be real—pretty pricey Pi.
Here’s a kicker—the GamerCard will set you back £125, or $170 in US cash. Comparatively, other gadgets like the Retroid Pocket are cheaper. Or even those quirky clamshells like Miyoo Flip, costing less. Like, why shell out more unless you’re living for those fancy retro vibes?
End of the day, what’s the catch? Is this a new era of gaming genius or a fancy gimmick? Too expensive for its own good but hey, it’s got its creative charm. Fancy a trip down memory lane with style? Maybe, just maybe, this is for you. Otherwise, guess it’s a niche collectible for old-school gaming romantics.