Gamebox Systems Cartboy

The Gamebox Systems Cartboy is a micro vertical retro handheld launched in 2020, built around a tiny footprint and a broad library of classic systems. At its heart is the Broadcom BCM2835 SoC, with a single ARM1176JZF-S core at 1.0 GHz, Broadcom VideoCore IV graphics at 250 MHz and 512 MB of DDR RAM.

Performance is well suited to 8-bit and 16-bit platforms: Atari 2600 and 7800, ColecoVision, Intellivision, NES, Sega Master System, Game Gear, Genesis / Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance. Most SNES titles run at 60 FPS, but games using FX chips or Mode 7 lag. Many 2D PlayStation games run fine, though not all at a full 60 FPS, while 3D titles struggle.

The 1.3-inch TFT screen has a 240 x 240 resolution, a 1:1 aspect ratio, roughly 261 ppi and a 60 Hz refresh rate. The image is sharp, but the display area is very small, and it is covered only by a protector rather than a dedicated lens.

Controls include a cross D-pad placed low on the face, four face buttons, L1 and R1 shoulder buttons and a power button. There are no analog sticks and no rumble. The plastic shell measures 65.5 x 57 x 15 mm and weighs just 80 g, making it effortless to carry in a pocket.

The battery is rated at 1200 mAh, and charging is handled through two Micro USB ports. The console offers USB OTG, Mini HDMI video output, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and front-facing dual stereo speakers. Storage is on a microSD card.

On the software side, the Cartboy runs Linux / RTOS and supports RetroPie, a popular and highly customizable frontend. Volume is adjusted with a button combination, while brightness is set from the menu.

Ideal for: retro fans focused on 8-bit and 16-bit classics who want an ultra-compact device they can take anywhere and hook up to a TV via Mini HDMI.