The Best Raspberry Pi Cases For RetroPie

Written by

Matt James

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Raspberry PiRetroPie

The Raspberry Pi has been the gift that keeps on giving for retro gaming fans when combined with RetroPie, the software that turns your Pi into a retro gaming dream machine.

But why stop there? There are now loads of cool accessories available for the Raspberry Pi to make it look like an authentic retro console! In this article, we recommend some of the best Retropie cases available for the Raspberry Pi 3, Pi 4 & Pi Zero.

Whether you want a mini SNES case or something that will keep your Raspberry Pi cool with fans and heatsinks, there’s something here for every RetroPie fan.

best raspberry pi cases for retropie

1. RetroPie PS1 Case

Now that PS1 emulation is in an excellent state on the Raspberry Pi, especially since the release of the more powerful Raspberry Pi 4, it is perhaps time that you built a Pi set-up that also looked the part with a RetroPie PS1 case.

Retroflag has an excellent range of PS1 Pi cases that include everything from the case, to a flip-up LCD screen kit so your Pi turns into an all-in-one mini retro gaming system complete with screen.

One of the best features of cases like the Retroflag PiStation is that it includes power & reset buttons, these are easily configured for set up on the Raspberry Pi using some basic scripts which are detailed in the instructions for the PiStation.

Retroflag PiStation Case Kit – Raspberry Pi 4

The Retroflag PiStation kit consists of the PS1-inspired PiStation case, heatsinks, fan, Micro HDMI cable, MicroSD card and a USB card reader. Everything you need to turn your Raspberry Pi 4 into a miniature PS1 RetroPie console!

Retroflag PiStation Case Kit
Retroflag PiStation Case Kit

The PiStation is built for the Raspberry Pi 4 and has a range of features, including:-

  • Safe Shutdown & Safe Reset Buttons
  • LED Power Indicator
  • Power & Reset Buttons
  • Cooling Fan
  • Heatsinks
  • Easy Access To MicroSD Card

Retroflag PiStation Case With LCD Screen Kit – Raspberry Pi 4

The Retroflag PiStation LCD Screen kit includes everything in the above PiStation kit but also includes an 800×480 pixel flip screen with built-in speakers, which turns your miniature PS1 RetroPie console into a portable console for you to move your RetroPie collection around easily.

Retroflag PiStation Case And Screen Kit
Retroflag PiStation Case And Screen Kit

This version of the PiStation is again built for the Raspberry Pi 4 and has all the same features included in the standard case kit:-

  • 800×480 Colour LCD Screen With Built-In Speakers
  • Safe Shutdown & Safe Reset Buttons
  • LED Power Indicator
  • Power & Reset Buttons
  • Cooling Fan
  • Heatsinks
  • Easy Access To MicroSD Card

2. RetroPie Nintendo NES Case

The NES is an undeniable classic in both its form and its legendary games.

Retroflag offers absolutely the best example of an NES Raspberry Pi case with its latest Raspberry Pi 4 NES case which has a removable NES cartridge that houses a 2.5″ hard drive, making this case a really fun and practical way to have a hard drive of terabytes in size connected to your Raspberry Pi, allowing you to host a gigantic RetroPie game collection.

If you have an older Pi, then you can still get hold of the original NES Pi case which accommodates the Pi 2,3 & 3B+.

Retroflag NES Pi 4 Case – Raspberry Pi 4

The Retroflag NES Pi4 case is one of the most premium RetroPie cases you will find. Its excellent build quality and features set this apart from the usual basic retro-inspired cases.

The best feature is the mock NES cartridge which holds a 2.5″ SATA hard drive (not supplied), meaning you can expand your RetroPie library into the realms of terabytes in size, whilst keeping things nice and tidy with no external hard drives or cables visible.

Complete with power and reset buttons and front-facing USB ports, the NES PI 4 case is a must-have for RetroPie fans seeking a classic-looking case with comprehensive features.

Retroflag NES Pi 4 Case
Retroflag NES Pi 4 Case

Retroflag NES Pi 4 Case Features Include:-

  • Power & Reset Buttons (With safe shutdown and reset scripts)
  • LED Power Light
  • 2.5″ SATA HDD Drive Bay (In The Form Of An NES Cartridge)
  • Cooling Fan
  • Heatsinks
  • HDMI Cable
  • Easy Access To SD Card Port

Retroflag NES Pi Case – Raspberry Pi 2/3/3B+

The original NES Pi case is still available which is compatible with the Pi 2 through to the Pi 3 B+.

The NES Pi case is still an excellent choice if you have an older Raspberry Pi, sure, it doesn’t include that removable SSD cartridge, but this is an authentic-looking NES-inspired case with a good amount of features.

With front-facing USB ports and safe shutdown & reset buttons on the front as per the original NES console, this is an excellent case to house your Raspberry Pi.

Retroflag NES Pi Case
Retroflag NES Pi Case

Retroflag NES Pi Case Features Include:-

  • Power & Reset Buttons (With safe shutdown and reset scripts)
  • LED Power Light
  • Easy Access To SD Card Port

3. RetroPie Nintendo SNES Case

In addition to the NES Mini, Nintendo also released the SNES Mini fortunately Retroflag produce their own SNES-inspired mini Raspberry Pi cases, perfect for RetroPie SNES fans!

Both the rounded Europe/Japan versions and famous US rectangular cases are available, but currently, the Raspberry Pi 4 version is the PAL EU/JP form factor case.

Retroflag Super Pi 4 SNES Case – Raspberry Pi 4

The Retroflag Super Pi 4 SNES Case is currently only available in its European and Japanese form factor, but it is a hugely authentic-looking miniature SNES case.

It comes with working power and reset buttons (the safe shutdown/reset scripts that are required for these to function are easy to install), as well as the SNES eject button! Of course, the mini cartridge is there just for fun, but it looks brilliant with it plugged in!

Retroflag Super Pi 4 SNES Case
Retroflag Super Pi 4 SNES Case

Retroflag Super Pi 4 Case Features Include:-

  • Functional Power & Reset Buttons
  • Safe Shutdown & Reset Script Compatible
  • LED Power Light
  • Easy Access To SD Card
  • Front Facing USB Ports
  • Power, HDMI & Audio Ports At Rear

Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case (US Style) – Raspberry Pi 2/3/3B+

For older Raspberry Pi devices, the original Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case also comes in the classic rectangular US design.

It has all the appearance and features you need for a slick, yet practical Retropie experience. The power and reset buttons enable you to shutdown and reset your Raspberry Pi conveniently instead of using the on-screen menus. With a quick and easy set-up guide included, it is as simple as running a couple of scripts on your Pi system to get them set up and working.

This classic US SNES form factor also comes with a US-styled SNES cartridge for more cosmetic authenticity.

A perfect case to put an older Raspberry Pi to good use.

Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case US
Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case (US Style)

Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case Features Include:-

  • Safe Shutdown / Reset Buttons
  • Working LED Power Light
  • Easy Access To SD Card
  • Front Facing USB Ports
  • Power, HDMI & Audio Ports At Rear

Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case (Europe / Japan Style) – Raspberry Pi 2/3/3B+

If you are a Pi 2/3/3B+ user and want a classic Europe / Japan SNES-style case, then the Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case will be what you need. Thankfully, Retroflag offers two versions of their excellent Europe / Japan SNES Raspberry Pi Case, one for the Pi 4 and for the Pi 2 / Pi 3 & 3B+

Complete with the visually pleasing SNES cartridge, the Retroflag Super Pi case is an absolute gem and the perfect home for a spare Pi 2 / Pi 3.

Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case Europe Japan
Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case (Europe / Japan Style)

Retroflag Super Pi SNES Case Features Include:-

  • Functional Power & Reset Buttons
  • Safe Shutdown & Reset Script Compatible
  • LED Power Light
  • Easy Access To SD Card
  • Front Facing USB Ports
  • Power, HDMI & Audio Ports At Rear

4. RetroPie Genesis (Mega Drive) Case

With the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Mini released in 2019, Sega fans now had other options in terms of getting hold of a classic Genesis / Mega Drive styled case to play their favourite games on.
Whilst the official Sega mini console only has Genesis / Mega Drive games on it, Retropie users have this excellent case available to turn their Raspberry Pi set up into a sleek-looking miniature Genesis / Mega Drive, but with all the bells and whistles of what a Retropie set up has to offer.

Retroflag MegaPi Case – Raspberry Pi 2/3/3B+

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive fans have the perfect solution for a sleek, black Sega-inspired mini Genesis / Mega Drive RetroPie system.

The Retroflag MegaPi Case has everything that you will need, from front-facing USB ports in the same location as the original Genesis / Mega Drive, discreet hidden Micro SD slot found on the side of the case (hidden under part of the case which opens upwards), a cover that hides the LAN/USB ports of the Pi board and a really cool lift up flap on top of the console for storing all your micro SD cards.

In addition to these really well-integrated features, of course, you get a functional power switch and reset button too.

The Retroflag MegaPi case looks the part and feels really robust too, it’s just a shame there is not a Pi 4 model at the moment. But if you are looking for a mini Sega console case for your Retropie set-up, the MegaPi case is perfect for Pi 2 / Pi 3 / 3B+ users.

Retroflag MegaPi Case
Retroflag MegaPi Case

Retroflag MegaPi Case Features Include:-

  • Functional Power & Reset Buttons
  • Safe Shutdown & Reset Script Compatible
  • LED Power Light
  • Easy Access To SD Card Flap
  • Discreet Removable Panel For LAN/USB Pi Port Access
  • Flap On Top Of Case For Additional MicroSD Card Storage
  • Front Facing USB Ports
  • Power, HDMI & Audio Ports At Rear

5. RetroPie Handheld Case

If you are looking for a handheld case for your Pi CM4 of Pi Zero boards, then look no further than the two Retroflag GPi cases.

The original GPi case is still available and is designed to accommodate the tiny Pi Zero board. The upgraded GPi Case 2 is now available which is designed for Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 boards (CM4), in addition to accommodating the updated hardware, the GPi Case 2 has some onboard upgrades of its own.

Read below to find out the full details.

Retroflag GPi Case 2 With Dock – Raspberry Pi CM4

The latest handheld case from Retroflag, the Retroflag GPi Case 2 is made for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) and needs no explanation where the inspiration for this classic-looking case comes from!

Described by Retroflag themselves as a homage to the classic 8-bit handheld game console, the Game Boy, it has the same form factor, but with some additional features to help make it compatible with consoles beyond just the Game Boy.

It is easy to piece to add your Raspberry Pi CM4 to the GPi Case 2 with no tools required to undertake the task.

The GPi Case 2 is compatible with the following CM4 Pi boards:-

  • CM4 Lite without WiFi
  • CM4 Lite with WiFi
  • CM4 eMMC without WiFi
  • CM4 eMMC with WiFi

The GPi Case 2 has a 640×480 3″ LCD screen, is just 224g in weight and comes with a 4000 mAh battery making it the perfect Retropie travel companion for when you are on the move.

Retroflag GPi Case 2 Handheld Case
Retroflag GPi Case 2

Retroflag GPi Case 2 Features Include:-

  • Safe Shutdown
  • Turbo & Home Buttons
  • LED Power Light
  • Power Switch
  • Headphone Jack
  • USB-C Power Port
  • Volume Control
  • Built-In Speaker
  • Built In 4000 mAh Lithium Battery
  • 3″ LCD Screen (640×480)
  • Compatible With Raspberry Pi Computer Module 4
  • Option Dock Available Which Supports HDMI Out

Retroflag GPi Case – Raspberry Pi Zero

The original Retroflag GPi Case is still available and is for use with Raspberry Pi Zero & Pi Zero W boards. It looks more or less identical to the more recently released GPI Case 2, adopting the classic Game Boy-inspired design.

Installation of your Pi Zero board is really simple and is pretty cool, since the Pi Zero sits in a mock Game Boy cartridge, which then plugs into the back of the GPi, just like with a real Game Boy game cartridge!

The Retroflag GPi case is powered by 3 AA batteries (for a Game Boy authentic experience, albeit with one less battery thankfully!), has a built-in speaker, volume controls as well as a number of additional controller buttons to make sure you can play other systems easily too. Weighing in at just 183g, the GPi case is just like its Game Boy inspiration, but even lighter!

An excellent case if you happen to have a Pi Zero spare.

Retroflag GPi Case
Retroflag GPi Case

Retroflag GPi Case Features Include:-

  • Safe Shutdown
  • LED Power Light
  • Power Switch
  • Headphone Jack
  • Volume Control
  • Built-In Speaker
  • Powered By 3 x AA Batteries
  • 2.8″ LCD Screen (640×480)
  • Compatible With Raspberry Pi Zero & Zero W Boards
  • Includes USB to DC Power Cable

6. RetroPie Mini PC Tower Case

If you prefer a Mini PC Tower Case-inspired design, then there are some excellent Raspberry Pi cases out there that fit the bill.

Whether you are looking for some RGB-inspired cases or a case with front-facing ports and small display panels, there are some cool-looking Pi cases available.

ElectroCookie Aluminium Mini Tower Case – Raspberry Pi 4

The ElectroCookie Aluminium Mini Tower Case is an aluminium mini tower case with a dual power cooler and RGB colour-changing mood light with fully adjustable brightness, compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 boards.

With full access available to the Pi’s GPIO pins, ports, and MicroSD card slot, the ElectroCookie Aluminium Mini Tower Case is a really cool desktop case for your Raspberry Pi 4, made to look like a miniature gaming PC!

ElectroCookie Aluminium Tower Case Raspberry Pi 4
ElectroCookie Aluminium Tower Case Raspberry Pi 4

ElectroCookie Aluminium Mini Tower Case Features Include:-

  • Matte Black Aluminium Case
  • Easy Access To Ports & GPIO Pins
  • Dual Power Cooler Built In
  • Effective Air Flow Heatsink
  • Low Noise Cooling Fans
  • Colour Changing RGB Lighting

GeeekPi Raspberry Pi Mini Tower Kit – Raspberry Pi 4

The GeeekPi Raspberry Pi Mini Tower Kit for the Raspberry Pi 4 is a plastic ABS material case that includes a bunch of features to give you all you need to keep your Pi cool when overclocking.

With RGB programmable LED ambient lighting, ‘Ice Tower Radiator’ and a small but crisp screen that is intended to display system information such as temperatures, the GeeekPi Raspberry Pi Mini Tower Kit shows off your Pi, whilst keeping it super cool when pushing it to the limit.

GeeekPi Mini Tower Kit Raspberry Pi 4
GeeekPi Mini Tower Kit Raspberry Pi 4

GeeekPi Raspberry Pi Mini Tower Kit Features Include:-

  • Mini OLED Screen To Display System Info
  • Easy Access To Pi Ports & GPIO Pins
  • Ice Tower Radiator Kit (With Fan)
  • Programmable RGB LED
  • Quick Release Design
  • Cable Management Built In To Case

7. Raspberry Pi 4 RetroPie Case

There are of course more practical, but less retro and gaming-inspired cases out there that provide nothing but sheer performance and optimum conditions for your Raspberry Pi device.

If you store your Pi hidden out of sight, then it may be a good idea if you get a case that is designed to keep your Pi cool and protected, these cases do just that. They’re basic, but they’re rugged and allow you to push your Pi to the max!

Argon One M.2 Aluminium Case – Raspberry Pi 4

The Argon One M.2 Aluminium Case for the Raspberry Pi 4 is a discreet case that focuses on M.2 SATA SSD compatibility as well as cooling performance.

Compatible with B-Key & B+M Key M.2 SSD Boards and with UASP support for high-speed data transfer rates, the Argon One M.2 is intended for power users who wish to extract the most from their Raspberry Pi 4.

It is a basic and sleek-looking case which is very robust and has easy access to the GPIO pins via a small metal removable flap on top of the case.

The Argon One M.2 offers excellent cooling performance too, with a 30mm programmable fan as well as the case itself acting as a heatsink with its aluminium design.

If you care more about performance and discreet looks, then the Argon One M.2 is definitely an excellent choice.

Argon One M2 Aluminium Case Raspberry Pi 4
Argon One M2 Aluminium Case Raspberry Pi 4

Argon One M.2 Aluminium Case Features Include:-

  • M.2 SATA SSD Compatible (Key-B or Key-B&M)
  • UASP Support For Pi 4 For High-Speed Data Transfer
  • Dual Monitor Support With Two Full-Sized HDMI Ports
  • Power Management Modes
  • IR Support For Argon ONE Remote
  • Active Cooling With Configurable 30mm Fan
  • Passive Cooling Via Aluminium Case Acting As As A Giant Heatsink
  • All Rear Ports To Assist With Cable Management

Argon NEO Aluminium Case – Raspberry Pi 4

Another excellent and budget-priced case, the Argon NEO Aluminium Case for the Raspberry Pi 4 is a case where you get a robust, discreet and cooling performance at a budget price.

The Argon NEO Aluminium built case acts as a heatsink and has direct contact with the Raspberry Pi components, allowing heat to be dispersed via the case itself, meaning you can have a silent experience, with cooling performance. If you plan to max out your Pi and overclock, then the Argon Fan Hat can be added to offer additional cooling performance.

This is ideal for discreet set-up such as for use as a media centre, Kodi as well as a more basic Retropie set up. It could get a little hot though when put under pressure, so if you’re planning on playing the likes of Dreamcast games, then maybe consider the Argon One.

Argon NEO Aluminium Case Raspberry Pi 4
Argon NEO Aluminium Case Raspberry Pi 4

Argon NEO Aluminium Case Features Include:-

  • Slim Aluminium Designed Case
  • Passive Cooling Where The Case Itself Disperses Heat From The Raspberry Pi Board
  • Discreet & Robust
  • Sliding Magnetic Top For Easy Access To GPIO Pins & Other Ports

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