Grab & Go Gaming in Gift Card Size: Arcade Games Pre-Installed with a Raspberry Pi® Inside
Grant Sinclair, the visionary behind the IRIS eTrike® and nephew of Sir Clive Sinclair, introduces GamerCard®: a revolutionary Grab & Go gaming system that redefines small-scale gaming. Designed to resemble a retail gift card—a ubiquitous format sold globally—GamerCard® is both pocket-sized and instantly identifiable. Equipped with a Raspberry Pi® and a high-resolution (254 PPI) 4” square IPS display, the device comes preloaded with dynamic arcade-style games. It’s designed for gamers who want immediate access to play—simply Grab & Go. Additionally, it offers a familiar, programmable platform for millions of Raspberry Pi® enthusiasts, empowering them to customize, create, and expand their gaming experience. Whether you’re a player, maker, or coder, GamerCard® is always ready.
GamerCard® — A Compact Powerhouse for Gaming and Creativity
GamerCard® is supplied with two fully-playable multi-level games originally developed for the Nintendo Switch store—now expertly adapted for the GamerCard®’s high-resolution display. These titles include Bloo Kid 2, a pixel-perfect action platformer featuring challenging levels and boss battles, and AstroBlaze DX, a vibrant rhythm-based space shooter offering thrilling upgrades. These are not mere demos; they are fully fleshed-out games designed for instant gaming on-the-go.
GamerCard® is not just a portable console; it’s also a powerful emulator. With apps like Recalbox, RetroPie, and Lakka, it can emulate thousands of classic arcade, home console, PC, and handheld games. This offers a unique opportunity to explore legendary game design and inspire future creators. For those interested in development, GamerCard® is compatible with PICO-8 (sold separately), the platform for crafting and sharing retro-style games. The 1:1 display is perfectly suited for PICO-8’s resolution. Students can code, create, and play games in one lesson, sharing their creations via PICO-8’s Splore. Development options include coding in MicroPython, C, C++, BASIC, and more. GamerCard® is all about play, create, and join the global gaming community. For details on Pi emulation, refer to MagPi.
An intuitive desktop launcher is pre-installed for quick access to games and apps. The silicone control pads allow for seamless navigation, mimicking a TV remote experience without the need for a touchscreen. All controls feature an anti-bacterial coating, making it suitable for schools and shared environments. A dedicated Pi® Game App is also included, ensuring easy access to specially optimized Raspberry Pi® games designed for the square screen.
Innovative Hardware Engineering: Revolutionizing GamerCard®
At over 80% smaller and lighter than leading handheld gaming systems, GamerCard® showcases a breakthrough in portable gaming design. Utilizing a patented next-gen PCB sandwich construction eliminates traditional casings and reduces manufacturing waste. This innovative approach leads to an ultra-thin, incredibly light, and durable product with no setup, cables, or excess packaging. Graphics are incorporated during PCB production, minimizing printing needs.
The device features a high-speed 4-inch square IPS display (720×720, 60fps) protected by sapphire glass, with dual silicone navigation discs and eight tactile buttons for responsive control. Enhanced stereo sound is delivered through its small yet powerful speakers. Powered by a 64-bit Raspberry Pi® Zero 2W with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, GamerCard® ensures smooth retro gaming with 128GB of storage. Its rechargeable 1600mAh Li-Po battery supports extensive gameplay. Additionally, a built-in Qwiic® connector offers easy modifications without opening the device and connects to a variety of sensors and modules from manufacturers like SparkFun. Users can connect to USB-C® and HDMI ports to transform GamerCard® into a fully functional Raspberry Pi-powered desktop.
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions: Length: 128mm; Width: 88mm; Thickness: 6.5mm; Weight: 100 grams.
Pricing and Availability
GamerCard® is available for £125 at grantsinclair.com and ships globally.
A Unique Innovation Rooted in Sinclair’s Legacy
“The idea for a gift card-sized gaming computer hit me while browsing magazines at WHSmith, as I have since the 1980s. Gift cards are sold in billions across various stores, often prominently displayed. I saw this as a way to democratize computer access. Notably, WHSmith was the first UK retailer to sell personal computers, starting with the ZX81, which was the first computer to reach a million-unit sales. — Grant Sinclair
GamerCard® is inspired by a remarkable lineage of innovations from Grant’s uncle, Sir Clive Sinclair. Clive’s groundbreaking inventions set new standards in portability, affordability, and ease of use. Highlights of his impressive career include:
- 1958 Micro Midget: World’s smallest radio (matchbox size)
- 1961 Micro-Amplifier: World’s smallest Hi-Fi amplifier (coin-sized)
- 1966 MicroVision: First pocket television (2-inch screen)
- 1972 Executive: First ultra-thin pocket calculator (9mm)
- 1974 Scientific: First low-cost scientific calculator
- 1975 Black Watch: First low-cost digital watch
- 1977 Wrist Calculator: First calculator digital watch kit
- 1978 Mk14: First low-cost single-board computer (similar to Raspberry Pi)
- 1980 ZX80: First home computer under £99
- 1981 ZX81: First home computer under £49
- 1982 ZX Spectrum: First color-and-sound computer under £125
- 1983 Flat Screen Pocket TV: First flat-screen TV
- 1985 C5: First lightweight electric vehicle
- 1987 Z88: First truly A4-size, lightweight notebook (0.9kg)
- 1988 Forum: UK’s first digital mobile phone
- 1989 Squish: First Astra satellite receiver system
- 1992 Zike: First lightweight commercial eBike
- 1994 Zeta: First low-cost eBike conversion kit
- 2004 A-bike: World’s lightest folding bike (5.7kg)
- 2015 A-bike Electric: World’s lightest compact eBike (12kg)
Related
Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
