Best Raspberry Pi Gaming Case

The Raspberry Pi is a fantastic device for all sorts of projects. From a basic desktop or a home theatre PC to a smart home hub, VPN server, or whole-home ad-blocker, the Pi can be transformed put to use in a variety of ways. With the popularity of emulation, retro gaming on the RasPi with gaming operating systems (OSes) such as RetroPie, Recalbox, Batocera, and Lakka remains a fun, accessible project. And there’s no better way to protect your Pi than with a retro gaming case. Check out the best Raspberry Pi gaming cases, from console clone enclosures to portable retro handheld options!

Best Raspberry Pi Gaming Case Overall – NESPi 4 Case

The RetroFlag NESPi 4 case is an outstanding retro-inspired Raspberry Pi case. It features a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) aesthetic, complete with an NES cartridge case that can hold 2.5-inch 7mm solid-state drives (SSDs). There’s easy access to all ports including the Raspberry Pi’s microSD card slot, USB ports, micro HDMI outputs, and USB-C power jack. On the front of the case are working shutdown and reset buttons that safely shut down or reboot the Raspberry Pi after installing the correct script. In addition to the case and cartridge SSD enclosure, the NESPi 4 comes with a convenient cooling fan.

Because of its design, the RetroFlag NESPi 4 case only supports the Raspberry Pi 4. As such, you won’t be able to use it with a Raspberry Pi 3 or 3 B+ unless you modify the case itself. Granted, the Raspberry Pi 4 boasts drastically improved emulation capabilities over its Pi 3 B+ predecessor.

While the SSD port is a nice inclusion, I’ve noticed a bit of lag in the time it takes the Pi to recognize the hard drive after booting up. I use the NESPi 4 case as my Raspberry Pi case and enjoy its retro flair, excellent build quality, and functional amenities such as the shutdown/reset buttons as well as its SSD cartridge case. You can even purchase extra SSD cartridge cases separately. You may also consider the NESPi case which supports the Raspberry Pi 3 B+, Pi 3, and Pi 2. Overall, the NESPi 4 from RetroFlag is the best Raspberry Pi gaming case on the market.

Pros:

• NES-style case
• Functional shutdown and reset buttons
• Includes NES cartridge SSD case for 2.5-inch 7mm height solid-state drives (additional NES cartridge cases sold separately)
• Easy access to all necessary ports
• Includes cooling fan and heatsinks
• Compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4

Cons:

• Slow SSD loading times after booting up
• No Raspberry Pi 3 B+ support

Best Portable Raspberry Pi Handheld Retro Gaming Case – Retroflag GPi Case

With a small footprint, the Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W work well for gaming on the go. RetroFlag’s GPi case is a nearly identical recreation of the original Nintendo Game Boy, and a great portable Raspberry Pi handheld retro gaming case. The GPi case is compatible with Raspberry Pi 0 and Pi 0 W boards, but not the Pi 0 WH which features GPIO pins soldered. A 2.8-inch IPS display provides a punchy, vivid image. Its 3.5mm audio out jack lets you hook up a pair of headphones for private listening.

The GPi Case includes a safe shutdown feature that requires downloading a simple script. Extra GPi cartridge shells are available for purchase separately. With support for RetroPie, Recalbox, Lakka, and Batocera, you’ve got plenty of choices for retro gaming OSes to run on the Raspberry Pi Zero. A Game Boy cartridge houses the RasPi Zero itself along with a microSD, and the pogo pin design is solderless for effortless installation. Aside from the GPi case and a cartridge holder for the Pi 0 and 0 W, there’s a convenient soft carrying case.

Although there is a barrel jack power connector, the GPi Case relies on a trio of AA batteries for power. While AA batteries are common enough and you can even get rechargeable batteries, some users may prefer a rechargeable battery pack. In my testing, I found the GPi Case a treat to use for on-the-go retro gaming. Ultimately, the RetroFlag GPi case is an exceptional way to build your own portable handheld retro gaming console using a Raspberry Pi.

Pros:

• Portable
• Uses a Raspberry Pi 0 or 0 W
• Works with RetroPie, Recalbox, Batocera, and Lakka
• Includes a Game Boy-style cartridge that houses a Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero W and microSD card
• Additional GPi cartridges sold separately
• Pogo pins are solderless and easy to install
• Includes a soft carrying case
• Good build quality
• 2.8-inch IPS display
• Takes 3 x AA batteries for power
• Headphone jack
• Includes power connector

Cons:

• No rechargeable battery pack available
• Not compatible with Raspberry Pi 0 WH

Best Handheld Raspberry Pi 4 Gaming Enclosure – GamePi43

Whereas the Raspberry Pi Zero with its small form factor works incredibly well for a portable emulation handheld, the Raspberry Pi 4 can run games from newer systems such as the PlayStation 1 (PS1), Nintendo 64 (N64), and even PlayStation Portable (PSP). The GamePi43 arrives in a Game Boy form factore complete with a built-in screen, directional pad (D-Pad, start/select buttons, plus X, Y, A, as well as B buttons. It’s compatible with several Raspberry Pi single-board computer (SBC) variants including the Raspberry Pi B+, 2 B, 3 B, 3 B+, and 4.

Compatibility with the Raspberry Pi 4 and 3 B+ means you can emulate many more systems than the Raspberry Pi 0. Unfortunately, the GamePi43 doesn’t have HDMI passthrough. Since the Pi 3 B+ and Pi 4 send a video signal over HDMI or micro HDMI to the GamePi43’s onboard screen, you can’t connect your Raspberry Pi board to an external display like a TV, projector, or monitor. An HDMI/micro HDMI splitter or passthrough would let you simultaneously use the handheld device’s screen while taking advantage of the Pi’s video output capabilities. Still, if you want to play even never retro systems on the go, the GamePi43 is an awesome way to transform your Raspberry Pi 3 B+ or Pi 4 into a portable emulation console.

Pros:

• Portable retro gaming handheld
• Supports the Raspberry Pi 2B/3B/3B+/4
• Access to Ethernet LAN port, USB ports, microSD card slot, and more
• Integrated battery charge circuit with 18650 battery
• Built-in screen
• Excellent controls – 1 x D-pad, Start, Select, X, Y, A, B buttons

Cons:

• Lacks video passthrough/splitter for connecting to an external display

Best Raspberry Pi 3 Gaming Case for RetroPie, Recalbox, Batocera, and Lakka – Retroflag SuperPi Case & Super Famicom Case

For a do-it-yourself (DIY) Super Nintendo Classic Mini, the RetroFlag SuperPi is a great choice. It’s available as the NTSC design or a Super Famicom case. Matching USB game controllers are available separately. The SuperPi case sports working power and reset buttons. It offers access to all ports including USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and microSD.

A handy storage slot lets you keep various microSD cards to swap in and out. Unfortunately, the SuperPi case only supports the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ and earlier boards. So, you can’t use the SuperPi with a Raspberry Pi 4. Although the SuperPi Raspberry Pi gaming case does include a slot for a fan, there’s no cooling fan included. If you want to keep your Raspberry Pi retro gaming console protected in style, the SuperPi is an excellent option.

Pros:

• Available in a SNES or Super Famicom style
• Matching controllers available (sold separately)
• Working power/reset buttons (after installing a script)
• Access to all ports (HDMI, USB, Ethernet, microSD, etc.)
• Built-in microSD card storage slot
• Supports Raspberry Pi 3 B+/3 B/2

Cons:

• No Raspberry Pi 4 support

Best Sega Retro Gaming Case for the Raspberry Pi – Retroflag MegaPi Case

For Sega fans, the MegaPi case is an awesome Sega Mega Drive, or Sega Genesis as it was known as in North America, Raspberry Pi gaming case. Both the power and reset buttons are functional as well as safe after the installation of a simple script. There’s unimpeded access to all ports such as USB hosts, the microSD card slot, Ethernet LAN, and HDMI output. In place of the disc drive is a nifty microSD card storage slot. With the same look as the Sega Genesis Mini, you can easily create your own DIY Sega Mega Drive Classic with a RasPi.

Pros:

• Sega Genesis/Mega Drive clone
• Safe shut down/reset buttons (after installation of a script)
• Built-in convenient microSD card storage slot
• Access to all ports (HDMI, USB, Ethernet, etc.)

Cons:

• Not compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4

Best Atari Raspberry Pi 3 Shell – Atari Raspberry Pi Arcade Gaming Kit

Whereas most Raspberry Pi retro gaming cases lack any included games, or ROMs as they’re called, Atari provides a neat Raspberry Pi retro arcade. The Atari retro arcade gaming kit is a phenomenal value. You’ll get a Raspberry Pi 3 B+, USB gamepad, HDMI cable, power supply, and a microSD card complete with a download utility to snag over 100 licensed Atari games. What’s more, the bundled case sports an attractive woodgrain aesthetic like the classic Atari 2600.

The real highlight is that Atari provides legal, licensed ROMs to play. Of course, you can always add your own later on. Notably, Atari offers a microSD card pre-loaded with ROMs separately if you want to use a different case or already have a Pi. Sadly, the Atari Raspberry Pi Arcade gaming kit is only compatible with the Raspberry Pi 3 B+, not the Pi 4. And while a selection of pre-installed games is nice, the video game library is a bit small. In spite of a few minor drawbacks, the Atari retro arcade gaming kit is a solid value.

Pros:

• Includes Raspberry Pi 3 B+, Atari case, 100 legal licensed ROMs, game controller, microSD card, HDMI cable, and power supply
• microSD card with ROMs is also available separately
• Atari aesthetic
• Good value for the money
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• Not Raspberry Pi 4 compatible
• Small game library included

Best Raspberry Pi Fightstick – Atari Ultimate Raspberry Pi Arcade Fight Stick

Atari’s ultimate arcade fightstick is a superb choice for emulation on the Raspberry Pi. A Raspberry Pi 3 B+, microSD card and 100 legally licensed ROMs, HDMI cable, power supply, and an arcade stick come standard. The fight stick itself touts a pair off joysticks alongside gameplay buttons for an arcade cabinet vibe. There are a few variants; one sports a trackball in the center with a Raspberry Pi inside while the other simply connects via USB.

The arcade stick is fairly large, so you’ll need enough table space for the unit. However, it’s a bit too narrow for two people to comfortably stand in front of without bumping elbows occasionally. The version without the trackball can’t hold a Pi, so you’ll need a case for the Pi if you go this route. And there are no instructions included for mapping the arcade stick’s buttons. Nevertheless, the Atari Arcade Fightsttick is a fun device that includes ROMs and lets you recreate an arcade in your own home.

Pros:

• Available with a trackpad and internal Pi storage or without a trackpad and with USB connectivity
• Can be had in a complete package with ROMs, a Raspberry Pi, HDMI cable, power supply, and over 100 games or as a standalone fightstick
• Excellent build quality
• Unique arcade cabinet vibe

Cons:

• Version without trackpad can’t house a Raspberry Pi
• Large and bulky
• Not wide enough for two people to comfortably stand

Best Raspberry Pi Gaming Case – Top Retro Gaming Cases for the Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is a versatile maker board, and emulation on the Pi is a ton of fun. RetroFlag’s NESPi 4 case lends a Nintendo Entertainment System aesthetic to the Raspberry Pi 4. Pi 3 B+ owners can pick from the Super Pi SNES or Super Famicom cases, a MegaPi Sega Mega Drive/Genesis case, Atari RasPi gaming case, or Atari arcade fight stick. For on-the-go use, the RetroFlag GPi case works flawlessly for a Raspberry Pi 0/0 W handheld, while the GamePi43 lets you make a portable gaming console out of a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ or 4.

Your turn: Which Raspberry Pi retro gaming cases do YOU recommend?