Vintage arcade cabinets are bulky, pricey and tricky to maintain. Whereas this lot…

[ Words Craig Grannell ]

Pimoroni Picade

What’s the story?

The Picade takes a different approach from the three other cabs in this test. Rather than aiming for authenticity, it lets you take whatever you like from gaming’s past by adding apps and games to a Raspberry Pi that you install inside.

That’s after you first put the thing together, because the Picade comes in kit form. And the build is quite involved, although a set of online videos deftly takes you from unboxing to finished unit.

There’s a grey area regarding what you actually put on the Pi (ensure you have the rights to run the games you load up, etc), but this setup is hugely versatile. Fancy switching from arcade to Amiga to ZX Spectrum? Go for it.

Is it any good?

Once you’ve got the software up and running, the Picade is a retro-gamer’s dream. The 10in screen is bright and clear, the speaker packs a wallop, and the controls are great.

Because there’s a Pi inside, you have the option of branching out from arcade controls as well, connecting up keyboards and gamepads for titles that play better with alternative inputs. This freedom does come with a downside, though: a distinct ‘homebrew’ feel throughout.