Raspberry Pi brings broken NEC TurboExpress handheld back to life for retrogaming fun
Originally published on tomshardware.com by Ash Hill on 24 October 2024
Developer Dawilson246 has brought the classic NEC TurboExpress handheld console back to life using a Raspberry Pi 3, creating a stunning blend of nostalgia and modern technology. The NEC TurboExpress (also known as the PC Engine GT in Japan) was a competitor to the Game Boy and Sega Game Gear, boasting features like a backlit color LCD and the ability to play TurboGrafx-16 HuCard games. This unique handheld even had a TV tuner add-on, making it one of the most advanced handhelds of its era. However, its rarity and high value make working units a collector’s item, so Dawilson246’s project started with a broken unit, preserving the spirit of the original device.
The modifications involve a lot of careful integration to use as much of the TurboExpress’s original hardware as possible. Dawilson246 detailed his process on Reddit, showing how he fit a Raspberry Pi 3 inside the shell and connected it to the original components. The setup includes a Pimoroni Player X board to enable USB controller inputs and a PCB that manages common ground and power sources. He replaced the AA battery compartment with a LiPo battery, controlled by a TP4056 charger for safe recharging. For video and audio, the Pi’s composite jack is wired to the original display connections, maintaining the console’s nostalgic visual appeal.
Dawilson246’s attention to detail includes retaining the original TurboExpress buttons, preserving the tactile feel of playing on a 1990s console. The Raspberry Pi 3 is compact and versatile, allowing him to install RetroPie for a robust retro gaming experience. This gives the device the capability to run a wide array of classic games, just as the original TurboExpress did, while leveraging modern emulation for enhanced performance and reliability.
In all, this project exemplifies the perfect marriage of retro hardware and modern technology. Using a non-working TurboExpress console, Dawilson246 succeeded in creating a functional handheld that faithfully recreates the original experience while adding the flexibility of modern Raspberry Pi-based emulation. With RetroPie as the gaming platform, the handheld now serves as a tribute to the TurboExpress legacy, offering a unique way for enthusiasts to enjoy classic games with a nostalgic look and feel.
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