A modular handheld console ecosystem for embedded systems, custom firmware, and hardware experimentation.
Boron is a modular handheld console platform built around the RP2350 ecosystem.
It is designed as a testbed for custom firmware, modular hardware design, and portable system experimentation.
The project evolves through iterative hardware revisions, each improving integration, expandability, and usability.
Proof-of-concept hardware validation platform
- MCU: Waveshare RP2350 Plus (4MB flash)
- Display: 128×64 monochrome OLED
- Controls: 8 buttons (D-pad + A, B, Plus, Minus)
- Battery: 2500mAh Li-ion
- Expansion: MAG4 4-pin magnetic connector
- Storage: SD-based cartridge system (prototype)
- PCB footprint errors in early routing
- Cartridge system never fully validated
- Expansion connector not stress-tested
Despite this, the core system validated successfully and informed all later revisions.
First production-style PCB with improved usability and display upgrade
- MCU: RP2350 Plus (16MB flash)
- Display: 240×240 IPS panel
- Controls: 10 buttons (D-pad + action set)
- Expansion: 10-pin rear connector
- Battery: 2500mAh Li-ion
- Higher resolution display for UI clarity
- Increased flash capacity
- Improved input layout (more action buttons)
- Cleaner PCB routing and expansion design
Next-generation modular handheld with connectivity and audio expansion
- RP2350-based 16MB flash + 8MB PSRAM
- FULLY single PCB design
- FULLY swappable input modules
- ESP32-C3 coprocessor (Wi-Fi + BLE)
- MicroSD-based software system
- Audio output (3.5mm + speaker) + microphone support
- 3000mAh battery system
- Optimized thin design
- Fully modular input/output system
- Wireless connectivity layer
- Cleaner electrical and mechanical integration
Boron is not a single device : it is a hardware platform.
Each revision moves toward:
- modular expansion interfaces
- interchangeable input layer
- firmware-driven hardware flexibility
| Version | State |
|---|---|
| V1 | Completed (prototype validation) |
| V2 | Completed (refinement stage) |
| V3 | In development |