Meet the Pico-Pal, a new retro handheld that channels the look and feel of the classic Game Boy Color while packing modern conveniences under the hood. Instead of the FPGA internals used by some premium throwback devices, this pocket console opts for a straightforward, efficient setup designed to make Game Boy Color emulation the star of the show.
At its core, the Pico-Pal pairs a Raspberry Pi RP2350B microcontroller with an Espressif ESP32 for wireless connectivity. That means Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi are on board, along with 4 MB of flash on the ESP32. Up front, a 2.6-inch IPS screen delivers a crisp 320 x 320 resolution and a 1:1 aspect ratio that suits classic handheld titles perfectly.
Power is handled by a 1,500 mAh Li‑Po battery, topped up via USB Type‑C with 5 V/1.45 A charging. According to developer Peter Khouly, the project’s current focus is polished Game Boy Color emulation, and early demo builds showcase that priority clearly.
Unlike FPGA-based alternatives such as those offered by Funnyplaying or the Chromatic from ModRetro, the Pico-Pal’s simpler microcontroller approach should appeal to anyone who wants a clean, reliable way to revisit an old-school library without overcomplicating the hardware.
Key specs at a glance:
– Raspberry Pi RP2350B microcontroller
– Espressif ESP32 with Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, and 4 MB flash
– 2.6-inch IPS display, 320 x 320 resolution, 1:1 aspect ratio
– 1,500 mAh Li‑Po battery
– USB Type‑C charging at 5 V/1.45 A
– Primary focus: Game Boy Color emulation
Availability and pricing have not been announced yet. The project is listed as “launching soon” on Crowd Supply, and the developer has been documenting progress on a dedicated blog. If you’re hunting for a compact, retro-inspired handheld built around clear, no-nonsense Game Boy Color emulation—and you want modern perks like Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, and USB‑C—the Pico-Pal is one to watch.
