Pi Tin is an open-source portable console that packs all the charm of retro gaming into an incredibly compact format: an Altoids mint tin. Designed by Jack Whittaker (jackw01) together with soaporsalad under the name Alley Cat Engineering, it uses a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W to emulate consoles such as the SNES, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 1, Sega Genesis, and even some Nintendo 64 games.

The screen is a 2.8-inch TFT with a 320×240 resolution—the largest possible for the size of the tin. The controls are responsive and inspired by the Game Boy Advance SP, thanks to Alps switches and an elastomer membrane. Completing the setup are a soft-touch power button and a USB-C port for charging. The 2000mAh battery provides up to 5 hours of gameplay.

There are two versions: one with a 3D-printed case, which is easier to assemble and offers longer battery life, and a more compact one that fits into a real Altoids tin, designed for more advanced users.

To build it, you’ll need a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, two custom PCBs, a battery, and some electronic components. A good level of manual skill is required, but for those who prefer a ready-made solution, preassembled kits are available.

All the files, guides, and a preconfigured SD image are available on the project’s official website. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, pre-orders closed on May 3, 2025. Pi Tin is the ideal project for retro gaming enthusiasts who want to build their own unique, pocket-sized handheld console.