Pimoroni Picade Console: Kit turns a Raspberry Pi into an authentic arcade and retro console

Single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi can be deployed in endless projects, not least as networked-attached storage (NAS), a DIY iPod or a media centre. One popular use for the Raspberry Pi is as an arcade, with even the Raspberry Pi store in Cambridge, UK, having an arcade project on display.

While some arcade projects can be fairly pricey, the Pimoroni Picade Console is a relatively cheap example of how you can bring arcade gaming to your TV or monitor. Now discounted to £60 (~US$77) including VAT, the Picade Console should only take an hour or two to build. The kit is basically a special housing that is equipped with arcade input devices.

The Picade Console is built on the Picade X HAT, and integrates a four-way joystick, along with six buttons. The unit also includes four utility buttons and a dedicated power button. Additionally, Piromoni has integrated a DAC, which communicates via I2C and has a 3 W amplifier. Correspondingly, the unit has a mono speaker, too. 

When fully assembled the Picade Console measures 245 x 120 x 140 mm, with Piromoni providing rubber feet to keep the unit firmly in place. According to the manufacturer, the backplate is particularly easy to remove, providing easy access to your Raspberry Pi. Assembly just requires a screwdriver, although the Picade Console is only compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4.

Pimoroni also recommends using RetroPie as an OS, which you can download for free from here. Please note that you will need a microSD card to install RetroPie though, along with a display and all the usual accessories to connect a Raspberry Pi to an external monitor.