As a retro gamer, I’ve a complete host of various gadgets to play traditional video games on – together with unique {hardware}, emulation handhelds and bartop arcade cupboards (each client and self-made), But I additionally took on a mission lately to construct the final word retro video games console from a Mini PC.
I selected the Geekom A5 for my construct, working on the most recent model of Batocera, and the top outcome was excellent. I can now play just about any sport on any console launched till fashionable instances – even Nintendo Switch. And the Geekom handles 99% of them with no body price stutters in any way.
I’ve since found that my machine of selection has been knocked down in worth – with massive reductions within the US and UK – making the do-it-yourself console even higher worth. And contemplating the A5 can also be a really first rate Windows 11 Pro PC in an excellent small kind issue, it is price a punt even when you do not fancy retro gaming.
You can now get the Geekom A5 from the official website for £359 in the UK, $395 in the US. You simply want so as to add the code T3A5DEAL at checkout.
Why select the Geekom A5 mini PC
While I made a decision to put in the Linux-based Batocera because the working system on my Geekom A5, the mini PC comes with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled, so is nice for on a regular basis computing too.
You may also decide to obtain and set up Retrobat, which affords comparable a retro gaming entrance finish and easy accessibility to all the principle emulators, however runs by means of Windows as an alternative.
The mannequin I take advantage of is the 2025/26 version working on the Ryzen R5-7430U chipset, which incorporates built-in Radeon graphics (Vega 7). This is greater than succesful for first rate 1080p gaming at 60 frames-per-second on most PC video games, not to mention emulation.
It has a 512GB SSD inside and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, whereas Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 deal with wi-fi connectivity.
There’s a 2.5G LAN port too, plus two USB-C ports, 4 normal USB ports (3x USB 3.2, 1x USB 2.0) and two HDMI 2.0 outputs. An SD card reader is hidden on the aspect.
This is all packed right into a tiny case – simply 117 x 112 x 49.2mm – and it is also simple to open and improve elements if wanted.
I additionally added an 8BitDo Pro 3 controller to my setup separately, which appears retro however has fashionable TMR sticks and Hall Effect triggers. It all works very well collectively.
In truth, I’ve barely even switched on my PS5 Pro for the reason that construct.