Pip Handheld Computer – Hand-Held With Detachable Gamepads
Nintendo Switch’s innovative Joy-Con detachable controllers allow the handheld console to transform into different forms, which has also led to a wave of imitations. Now, a new start-up called Curious Chip has also launched a handheld console called Pip Handheld Computer, based on Raspberry Pi CM3+.
Pip’s appearance is quite unusual, shaped like an octagon, which may be due to consideration for children. However, this design also allows for the installation of controller accessories on both sides, using a USB Type-A plug-in connection, providing a directional pad, ABXY buttons, and dual S buttons, with LR buttons placed on the body. In addition, Pip has an interesting row of eight RGB lights and a 5-megapixel rear camera.
Pip also provides a 40-pin GPIO interface on the front, allowing it to control and debug peripheral accessories. After all, playing games is only part of its use, it is more of a small computer that allows people to learn programming and create. By simply replacing the MicroSD card, it can switch to the standard Raspberry Pi system.
In terms of other hardware, Pip Handheld Computer uses a 4-inch 800×480 resolution capacitive touchscreen and is powered by a Raspberry Pi CM3. Its performance is good enough for playing retro games, and with an HDMI interface, it can output video and audio to a TV for gaming, making it a “Switch.” If the CM module is updated in the future, it can also be upgraded.
However, Pip’s charging head is still MicroUSB, as this project was launched as early as 2017 and was also developed for a long time on Kickstarter. Therefore, it is not easy to have come this far and not be abandoned. If you are interested, go support it now, currently priced at $199.