GamerCard: Grant Sinclair’s Gift Card-Sized Handheld Powered by Raspberry Pi Zero 2W

The legacy of British innovation in gaming hardware continues with the introduction of the GamerCard, a uniquely compact handheld gaming device developed by Grant Sinclair.

As the nephew of legendary inventor Sir Clive Sinclair—best known for the ZX Spectrum—Grant Sinclair channels a family tradition of technological ingenuity into his latest product.

The GamerCard’s conception was inspired by the widespread presence of gift cards in retail, echoing the accessibility that helped the Sinclair brand achieve its historic impact with the ZX81, the first personal computer to ship one million units globally, and introduced to the public through UK high street retailer WHSmith. "I came up with the concept for a gift card-sized gaming computer while browsing magazines at WHSmith, a retailer that played a pivotal role in Sinclair history by selling the ZX81 back in 1981," explains Grant Sinclair.

He notes that gift cards are universally distributed, often occupying prime retail locations and selling in the billions, highlighting the potential for a widely accessible, ultra-portable computing device. The GamerCard distinguishes itself with a 4-inch IPS display and runs on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W chipset, balancing form factor and performance to deliver a genuinely pocket-friendly gaming platform.

Out of the box, the handheld can run emulators and the Pico-8 fantasy console, while also offering official ports of renowned titles such as Bloo Kid 2 and Astroblaze DX—games initially associated with platforms like the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Despite its impressive portability and sleek, card-like design, the GamerCard’s hardware specifications should be considered.

Priced at £125, it includes 128GB of internal storage and a selection of versatile connectivity options: a built-in Qwiic connector for hardware expansion, USB-C, and HDMI ports.

These features allow users to connect a broad range of devices and displays, potentially transforming the GamerCard from a standalone handheld into the centerpiece of a larger retro gaming setup. While the GamerCard’s processing capabilities may not match higher-end portable consoles on the market, its innovative approach to accessibility, portability, and design marks it as a notable addition to the expanding landscape of handheld gaming.

With Grant Sinclair at the helm, the GamerCard honors the Sinclair family’s legacy while advancing the idea of accessible personal computing and gaming for today’s enthusiasts.

Raspberry Pi Grant retro gaming Sinclair GamerCard Grant Sinclair ZX Spectrum WHSmith Bloo Kid 2 Astroblaze DX