DIY Retro Carnival CM3
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The Retro Carnival CM3 is a horizontal retro gaming handheld released in 2019 by DIY. It is built around the Broadcom BCM2837 (Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3) with 1 GB DDR2, has a 3.2 inch IPS 480 x 320 display, and uses a 2920 mAh battery. Its documented emulation ceiling is PS1 full speed, placing it in the premium retro tier for retro game emulation. Notable hardware features include video output, USB, WiFi, a metal (aluminum) shell.
How far can it go?
Runs everything up to PlayStation 1 at full speed, and pushes as far as Dreamcast with some compromises.
Full speedGreatPlayableBarelyWon't run
Realistic ceiling: SNES FX & 3D PS1 (60 FPS), N64 & NDS (playable but can be laggy)
Specifications
| Chip (SoC) | Broadcom BCM2837 (Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR2 |
| Screen size | 3.2 inch |
| Screen type | IPS |
| Resolution | 480 x 320 |
| PPI | 180.28 PPI |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 |
| Battery | 2920 mAh |
| Cooling | Heatsink Ventilation cutouts |
| Storage | External MicroSD |
| Connectivity | USB, WiFi |
| Speakers | Dual Stereo Bottom facing |
| Charge port | Micro USB |
| Video output | Mini HDMI |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone |
| Dimensions | 149 mm x 60 mm x 17.5mm |
| Weight | 303 grams |
| Shell | Metal (Aluminum) |
| Colors | Black, White, (Red & Yellow soon) |
Pros & cons
👍 Pros
- Dual analogs, L2/R2
👎 Cons
- Price, 3D printed look (new shells coming?)
Compare prices & buy
from $358
$358 (Discontinued)
Often sold by: Reddit (info)