Retroflag GPi Case

The Retroflag GPi Case runs on the Broadcom BCM2835, a single ARM1176JZF-S core at 1.0 GHz, paired with a Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU at 250 MHz and 512 MB of DDR RAM. This setup is well suited to 8-bit and 16-bit systems: NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Sega Master System, Game Gear, Genesis / Mega Drive, PC Engine and Neo Geo Pocket play comfortably. Most SNES games run at 60 FPS, though Super FX and Mode 7 titles lag. Most 2D PlayStation games run fine, not all at a full 60 FPS, while 3D games struggle. Nintendo 64 appears on the platform list, but demanding 3D systems are not this handheld's strength.

The list also covers niche platforms such as CHIP-8, Nintendo Game & Watch, Pokémon Mini, Satellaview, Watara Supervision, Mega Duck and the Thomson MO/TO family, plus MAME, Neo Geo and ScummVM.

The 2.8-inch IPS screen offers QVGA 320 x 240 resolution, a 4:3 aspect ratio, a 60 Hz refresh rate and around 143 ppi, behind a plastic lens. The 4:3 format is a natural fit for classic games.

The vertical layout places a cross D-pad at the top, alongside four face buttons and L1 and R1 shoulder buttons. There are no analog sticks and no rumble. Volume and brightness are adjusted with dedicated wheels, and power is handled by a switch. The plastic body measures 135 x 81 x 32 mm and weighs 280 g, with a solid build. Audio comes from a single front-facing mono speaker, with a 3.5 mm headphone output.

The console is powered by AA batteries and offers Micro USB and DC power inputs. It includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and storage is handled via microSD card.

The operating system is Linux-based with RetroPie support, a popular and highly customizable frontend. For those wanting more, CM3 and CM4 upgrade cartridges are available.

Ideal for: retro fans focused on 8-bit and 16-bit gaming who want a classic vertical handheld with solid build quality, RetroPie and an upgrade path.