Pi Tin's gamepad uses the exact same Alps tactile switches and elastomer membrane design used in the Gameboy Advance SP and DSi to achieve superior button feel over designs using conductive rubber buttons or bare tactile switches. It features a soft power button to turn on or safely shut down the system with a single press, and is designed to be safe to use while charging and compatible with all USB-C cables and chargers. The battery lasts for up to 5 hours of gaming (tested on 3D printed case option - 2000mAh battery).

Building a Pi Tin requires a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, two custom PCBs, some 3D printed parts, and a few other components which are readily available from distributors. The PCBs can be manufactured by low-cost manufacturers like JLCPCB, but they require advanced soldering skills and ideally both a hot plate and hot air station to assemble by hand. We are working on making mostly assembled PCBs available to purchase.

All design files and build instructions are available on the project website: https://jackw01.github.io/pi-tin/

[a project by alley cat engineering - jackw01 and soaporsalad]