The Raspberry Pi, though small, is a fully functional computer that can run desktop operating systems, including a light version of Windows. With the right accessories, it can function like a regular computer, and some have even transformed it into laptops or desktops with features like liquid cooling. However, these setups don’t fully utilize the Pi’s compact size, which is ideal for handheld computers.
The Pilet 5 handheld console adds the missing components to the basic Raspberry Pi, creating a ready-to-use device. It has a chunky design with a 5-inch screen on top and a QWERTY keyboard below. While it’s not the first Raspberry Pi-powered device with a BlackBerry-like look, this project stands out with a few unique features.
The Pilet 5 features a four-direction D-pad, a tiny trackball on the right, and a joystick with a scroll wheel on the left. These controls, along with the touchscreen, make it easy to navigate and even suitable for gaming. Unlike typical cyberpunk-style “cyberdecks,” its design is more polished, with a beige theme, gray buttons, and minimal colors, evoking the look of consoles and computers from the late ’80s and early ’90s.
The Pilet 5, like the larger Pilet 7 (formerly Consolo), offers a 7-hour battery life with its dual 8,000mAh batteries but in a more compact and complete form. However, it lacks the modular design flexibility that the Pilet 7 will offer when released.
