Freeplay Zero DIY Kit (640×480 IPS Model)

$79.99$94.99

This is the Freeplay Zero DIY Kit.  It allows you to build your own Raspberry Pi (Zero*, Zero W, or Zero 2W) handheld console.  There are some new features/changes in this 2022 model, so please read carefully.

If you are interested in a machined aluminum Freeplay Zero metal shell kit, please go here.

As this is a new version of a previous product, you may want to see the reviews and information at the old Freeplay Zero product page.

Click HERE for installation/build information.

Please scroll down to read the full description before making a purchase.

Freeplay Zero Speaker (1mm JST SR connector for 640x480 Models)

Starting in 2019, the Freeplay Zero and Freeplay CM3 have a detachable speaker. If yours breaks or you need another speaker for any reason, here it is!

23mm Diameter
8ohm

Freeplay ABXY Button Customization Kit (3 alternate button sets)

This is 3 new sets of ABXY buttons for anyone that wants to customize the feel of their ABXY buttons.

2 of these sets have a round base.  That's nice, because they fit "inside" the button caps.  The square-based button set requires you to file/sand down the bottom of the button cap, otherwise it will impede the motion of the button.

  • Round-Base Soft But Firm Inaudible
  • Round-Base Tactile Click Firm Operating Force
  • Square-Base Tactile Click Lower Operating Force

Out of stock

HDMI Adapter (Mini HDMI Male to HDMI Female Cable)

It is highly recommended that you have an easy way to plug your Freeplay Zero/CM3 into a HDMI TV/monitor. This makes setup/debugging much easier, and it's a nice way to play when sitting at home.

The Mini HDMI end of this adapter will plug directly into the Freeplay CM3 (directly into the Raspberry Pi Zero) or the Freeplay CM3. The other end is a female HDMI port to allow you to plug a typical HDMI cable in. The total length of this adapter is 16cm (~6.5in).

Most people already have (or have easy access to) a HDMI cable, but not everyone has Mini-HDMI laying around. If you don't, grab one of these adapters.

The adapter you receive may not be exactly the one shown in the photo, as we have had to source these from a few different manufacturers.  The functionality will be the same.

SKU: FREEPLAY_ZERO-2022 Category:

You will need to supply several accessories to successfully assemble a working Freeplay Zero into a GBA Shell or a Freeplay Zero Shell using this kit.

The DIY Kit Includes/Features

  • Freeplay Zero Circuit Board with Onboard Built-in:
    • USB-C Charging Port
    • LCD Brightness Controller
    • i2c SH 4-Pin (aka STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST) Expansion Port
    • L2/R2 Button Support (simplifies the addition of extra shoulder buttons)
    • Two Speaker Connectors (for connecting up to 2 speakers for mono/stereo sound)
    • 4 Analog Inputs (for adding up to 2 analog sticks)
    • 2 Additional Digital Inputs (in case you want to add center-click analog sticks)
  • 3.5″ IPS 640×480 LCD
  • 22-pin ZIF flexible ribbon cable (necessary to fully connect the RPi to the Freeplay Zero)
  • Single/Mono Speaker
  • 40-pin Header (to solder to your Raspberry Pi Zero*, Zero W, or Zero 2W)
  • 2 Standoffs (for mounting your Raspberry Pi)
  • Micro USB to USB Adapter (for connecting USB to your Raspberry Pi)
  • X/Y Button Drill Guide (helps add X/Y buttons to a GBA shell)
  • CPU Heatsink

Necessary Additions

  • Freeplay Zero Shell (no modifications required) or GBA Shell (requires modifications)
  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, Pi Zero*, Pi Zero W, or Pi Zero WH (H requires no soldering)
  • Micro SD Card
  • Full set of Rubber Button Pads (some shells include the pads or we carry them)
  • Battery (we carry this perfect fit 2000mAh battery)
  • Extra Set Of A/B Button Caps, if you are adding X/Y buttons
  • Extra A/B Rubber Button Pad, if using silicone pads for X/Y buttons (we carry rubber button pad sets)

Optional Additions

Freeplay Zero DIY Kit X/Y Button Options

Freeplay CM3 Soft Button Options Video

You can choose to not install X/Y buttons. That will make the shell modification process easier. If you choose to install X/Y buttons, you have 2 main options: silicone-rubber pad or rubber-nipple buttons.  See the video to the right (which shows how to add X/Y buttons to the GBA shell for a Freeplay installation).

  • The “silicone-rubber pad” method uses a second set of the normal A/B button caps and a second A/B silicone rubber pad from your GBA shell to create another 2 buttons. We now carry sets of the silicone-rubber pads here. You must create new holes in the shell and cut up the rubber pads. Note that you will need extra A/B button caps to implement this option. You will also need to move the speaker away from the bottom button to implement this option.
  • The “rubber-nipple buttons” method uses a second set of the normal A/B button caps from your GBA shell and a set of 4 rubber-nipple buttons to create another 2 buttons. You must create new holes in the shell, modify the 2 sets of A/B button caps, and modify the existing A/B button holes in the shell. Note that you will need extra A/B button caps to implement this option. You will also need to move the speaker away from the bottom button to implement this option.

Soft-Rubber Feel X/Y Buttons
The DIY kit will come with 4 square-base rubber-nipple buttons (as shown in the photo below). If you want to build using the rubber pads instead, you will need to supply a second silicon-rubber A/B button pad (as shown in the photo below). You can choose which you would like to use for your build. The rubber-nipple buttons will need to be soldered on, if you choose to use them. If you choose to use the silicon-rubber pad, the build can be solderless.

*Note about Raspberry Pi Zero Models

The Raspberry Pi Zero originally came out as “v1.2” and was fairly quickly replaced with “v1.3.”  All Raspberry Pi Zero models (Zero, Zero W, Zero WH, Zero 2W) that have come out since the Pi Zero v1.3 have included a CSI camera port.  The Freeplay Zero 640×480 Model uses this CSI camera port.  As such, the Raspberry Pi Zero v1.2 (which is rather rare) will not work with the Freeplay Zero 640×480 Model.  Please see the photo showing RPi Zero v1.2, v1.3, and W and notice that the v1.2 lacks the white CSI camera socket that is required for use with the Freeplay Zero.  Make sure that your Raspberry Pi Zero has this white camera socket before purchasing the Freeplay Zero.

Weight 5 oz
Dimensions 7 × 5 × 1.5 in

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