Retro gaming handhelds can emulate almost any classic system, but the Commodore 64 has always been an awkward fit. Much of its software library was designed around a full keyboard, and squeezing that experience onto a D-pad and a handful of buttons can make even beloved games frustrating to use.
That mismatch inspired maker and YouTuber Retro Dad to build a portable C64 that preserves the keyboard, controls, and joystick support that helped define the original machine.
Raspberry Pi 3 b+
A Raspberry Pi 3 at the Core
The handheld is powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B running VICE, the popular Commodore 64 emulator. Rather than loading a traditional desktop, the system boots directly into the emulator and drops the user onto the familiar blue C64 startup screen.
A compact HDMI display handles video, while an internal speaker and amplifier reproduce the C64’s audio. Power comes from a USB battery bank mounted inside the enclosure.
This is still an emulation-based system rather than a recreation of the original Commodore hardware, so it cannot use physical C64 cartridges. Retro Dad is also clear that the goal is not perfect reproduction of every obscure demo trick or hardware-specific quirk. It is designed first and foremost as a portable way to enjoy classic Commodore 64 games and software.
Solving the Keyboard Problem
The keyboard is the centerpiece of the build.
Rather than designing a miniature keyboard and custom PCB from scratch, Retro Dad repurposed the internals of an Xbox Chatpad. Its compact layout fits beneath the screen without taking over the entire front of the handheld, and it connects to the Raspberry Pi through its wireless USB receiver.
It is a relatively simple choice with a major payoff. Users can type commands, enter filenames, navigate menus, and use keyboard-dependent software without fighting an on-screen keyboard, something most conventional emulation handhelds handle poorly.
For faster access during gameplay, the enclosure also includes a built-in D-pad and face buttons salvaged from a USB controller. Many games can therefore be played without connecting any additional hardware.
Real Joystick Ports, Not Just Emulated Controls
Retro Dad did not stop with the keyboard. The handheld also includes traditional 9-pin joystick ports like those used by the Commodore 64 and several other home computers of the era.
A Raspberry Pi Pico manages the additional inputs, translating signals from the joystick ports and extra controls into commands the main Raspberry Pi can understand.
That allows the handheld to support compatible classic joysticks alongside its built-in controls. It is a small but important detail that pushes the project beyond a generic Raspberry Pi mounted inside a printed case. The keyboard, controls, and ports were all selected around the way Commodore 64 software was originally used.
Open Source and Built to Be Modified
The hardware is housed inside a custom 3D-printed enclosure that was wet-sanded and painted for a smoother, more finished appearance.
Retro Dad has also released the project resources for other makers, including the printable enclosure files, custom Raspberry Pi Pico firmware, a build video, and documentation covering the wiring and required components. He has encouraged others to modify the design and share their own versions.
Because the system is still a Raspberry Pi underneath, it does not have to remain a dedicated Commodore 64 handheld. Swapping the microSD card could turn it into a compact C64-inspired cyberdeck running Raspberry Pi OS, Kali Linux, or another compatible operating system.
More Than Another Emulation Handheld
The finished device is bulkier than a commercial handheld, but that extra size makes room for features most portable retro systems leave out. It includes a usable physical keyboard, a larger screen, built-in gaming controls, traditional joystick ports, onboard audio, and enough internal space for mostly off-the-shelf components.
More importantly, the open-source release gives other makers a practical starting point. The enclosure can be refined, the controls can be redesigned, and the project could eventually be adapted to newer Raspberry Pi hardware.
For Commodore fans who want something more faithful to the original experience than a generic handheld running VICE, Retro Dad’s build strikes a rare balance between modern convenience and old-school authenticity.