Creoqode, a London-based company known for making DIY gadgets, is launching its new project on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Named Lyra this handheld device is powered by a Raspberry Pi CM3L (Compute Module 3 Lite) that claims to "virtually emulate any game console of the classic era" (think RetroPie). The Lyra comes in two different versions; a fully assembled one at £179 and a DIY version at £149 (somewhat akin the MAKERbuino). Both versions of the console boast the following specs:

• SOC: Broadcom BCM2837B0, Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) 64-bit SoC
• CPU: 1.4GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
• RAM: 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM
• Display: 5" TFT LCD 800 x 480 Resolution
• Video: DPI Interface & HDMI
• Audio: Integrated Speaker, 3.5 mm Audio Output & HDMI
• USB: Micro USB 2.0
• Memory: 16 GB Micro SD Card. Upgradable to any memory size.
• Battery: 3000 mAh LiPo

While the handheld packs a 5 inch, 800 x 480 display, it can also be hooked to a monitor via HDMI and since it operates via a Raspberry Pi board, Lyra can double as a personal computer.

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While situating itself on the pricey end of the DIY spectrum, the Lyra is worth keeping an eye out for, especially if you are into DIY-ing or want to learn more about the intricacies of video game hardware and software development. The handheld will come with a comprehensive tutorial series guiding users about hardware, software and assembly.

Founder of Creoqode, Cem Eltutar, says that “While bringing back the nostalgia of classic video gaming in your pocket, Lyra also provides a fundamental education about hardware and software. Assembling Lyra makes users familiar with the components of a game console and their working principles. Installing an OS and being able to code video games from scratch provides the first step towards software design.”

Of note, Lyra's Kickstarter campaign has nearly doubled its £30,000 goal at the time of writing, meaning that the product will come to fruition.

What do you think of the Lyra? Will you be interested in DIY-ing one for yourself?

Lyra Kickstarter Campaign

 

[raxadian]

A Switch costs 300 dollars, how much does this cost?

There is a new mini Switch that's gonna cost only 200 dollars; sadly it will be hardened against hacking.

 

[Veho]

There is a new mini Switch that's gonna cost only 200 dollars; sadly it will be hardened against hacking.

Nintendo used Harden!

It's not very effective...