The ESP32-S3 Meets Classic Gaming
This ultra-polished, ESP32-powered retro gaming handheld looks as good as the classics it plays.
Creating a DIY handheld retro gaming console isn’t especially difficult these days. It can be as easy as wiring a development board to a few off-the-shelf modules, then flashing it with existing emulation firmware; however, walking around with a breadboard and a tangle of wires isn’t exactly ideal. That’s where the challenging part of these builds comes in — making them look nice and feel good to hold.
If you’re looking for the right formula for your own project, then you might want to take a look at Tomasz Gerka’s recent build for some inspiration. He created an ESP32-powered handheld retro gaming console that is far more polished than a typical DIY project. And if you follow Gerka’s lead, you could do the same.
The project started with the goal of playing classic Pokémon titles on authentic-feeling hardware without paying collector prices for the aging originals. Inspired by another maker’s work with the open-source Retro-Go firmware, Gerka set out to design a handheld console from scratch around an ESP32-S3 microcontroller. The finished device is capable of emulating systems like the Game Boy, NES, and Sega Master System, all from a compact, custom-built unit.
The initial prototype was built with an ESP32-S3 development board, a 3.2-inch TFT display, a 3,000 mAh lithium battery, a TP4056 charging module, and a 3.3V DC-to-DC converter. For audio, Gerka used a pair of tiny speakers driven by a MAX98357 DAC/amp combo.
Once the electronics were validated, Gerka designed a custom PCB to tame the circuit. The PCB eliminated signal interference and buzzing issues caused by long, high-speed wire runs in the prototype. He also carefully researched ergonomics, studying modern controllers to determine optimal button placement and weight distribution. The resulting board dramatically elevated the project’s overall fit and finish.
On the software side, flashing the Retro-Go firmware proved to be the most frustrating hurdle. Working through development tools and repeated partition table errors required patience and persistence, but the payoff was worth it.
The final touch was a 3D-printed enclosure designed in Fusion 360. Printed in two halves due to size constraints, the case uses the PCB itself as a structural backbone. Thoughtful print orientation ensured a smooth, polished front surface.
The result looks great and would be a fun little console for retro gaming on the go. If you want to skip the design and assembly work, you can purchase one for $49.99.