Freeplaytech Freeplay CM3

The Freeplaytech Freeplay CM3 is a horizontal retro handheld launched in 2017 that puts DIY design and customisation front and centre. Inside sits a Broadcom BCM2837B0 SoC (the BCM2835 is also listed), with four Cortex-A53 cores, a Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU at 250 MHz and 512 MB or 1 GB of DDR2 memory depending on configuration.

When it comes to emulation, the Freeplay CM3 comfortably covers the 8- and 16-bit generations, arcade games through MAME and Final Burn Neo, and classic computers such as the Amiga, Commodore 64, MSX, MS-DOS and ZX Spectrum. SNES titles using the FX chip and 3D PS1 games run at 60 FPS, while N64 and Nintendo DS are playable but can be laggy. Systems more demanding than these should not be considered a realistic target.

The 3.2-inch TFT screen has a 320 x 240 resolution, a 4:3 aspect ratio, 125 ppi density and a 60 Hz refresh rate, all behind a tempered glass lens. The resolution suits many classic consoles very well, delivering a clean picture for retro games.

Controls include an upper-placed cross D-pad, four face buttons and L1 and R1 shoulder buttons, while dual symmetric thumbsticks are available as an add-on. Volume is adjusted with a wheel, brightness from the menu, and power is handled by a switch. The plastic shell measures 145 x 82 x 25 mm and weighs just 155 g. There is no rumble.

The 2000 mAh battery charges via Micro USB. The handheld offers WiFi, Bluetooth, Mini HDMI video output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a single front-facing mono speaker and a USB port, with games stored on a microSD card.

On the software side, the Freeplay CM3 runs Linux and supports RetroPie, giving access to engines such as ScummVM, OpenBOR, EasyRPG, Pico-8 and TIC-80. Its open nature invites tinkering, experimentation and personalised setups.

Ideal for: DIY and Linux enthusiasts who want a customisable, lightweight retro handheld with HDMI output, dedicated to classic games up to the PS1 generation.