REDROID-GO is an open-source, custom-designed handheld gaming console inspired by the original ODROID-GO. This project enhances the original (discontinued) design with modern features, while maintaining as much as possible software compatibility.
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- USB-C Connector – Modern power and data connectivity.
- Optional IPS Display – Upgrade to a vibrant IPS screen instead of the standard TFT.
- High Software Compatibility – Works with ODROID-GO software, but unfortunately some patches may be required, see below.
- Fully Open-Source ❤️ – Schematics, PCB, and BOM included!
- KiCad Project – Includes schematic, PCB design, and layout.
- FreeCAD Project – Design of the shell.
- Bill of Materials (BOM) – All of the PCB components are sourced from LCSC. Other components, such as the display, speaker, battery, buttons need to be bought separately.
The master branch contains the latest, unstable version of the project, which has not been manufactured or tested yet. If you are looking for a stable and tested version, please refer to the releases section, where you can find previous working versions of REDROID-GO.
The base idea is to keep the project as much software-compatible as possible to the original ODROID-GO. There are some caveats though:
- New ESP32-WROVERs require the setting
CONFIG_INT_WDTset toyin ESP-IDF. - When using the IPS display, the commands to initialize it should include an additional
0x21. This is because even if the IPS display uses the same driver IC as the TFT one, by default the colors are inverted.
You can order the PCB directly from the gerber.zip release artifact using any common PCB manufacturer.
Specs for ordering:
- Thickness: 1.6 mm, required to make it fit in the case
- Finish: ENIG is strongly recommended. ENIG provides a flatter and more durable pad surface than HASL, which ensures more consistent readings from the membrane buttons over time.
All components can be soldered by hand.
Tips
- A regular soldering iron is sufficient — use a thin tip for finer control
- Apply no-clean flux or thermal flux to ease solder flow and avoid bridges
- Start with the USB-C connector and the display connector — they are the most difficult parts to solder; then proceed with the remaining components
- A desoldering braid can be very useful to wick away any excess solder or to correct bridges
- When done soldering, clean the PCB with isopropyl alcohol (≥90% IPA), especially around the buttons’ pads, using a brush or lint-free wipe; let it dry fully before powering
The shell can be 3D printed using the STL files contained in the case.zip release artifact.
This device can be programmed like any other ESP32-based board.
A customized bootloader is available in this fork of the original odroid-go-multi-firmware.
For emulation, the recommended firmware is this fork of retro-go.
Contributions are welcome! Feel free to submit pull requests or open issues to discuss improvements.
Special thanks to Hardkernel for the original ODROID-GO design and the open-source community for keeping retro gaming alive. Thanks also to:
- 32teeth for the membrane buttons library.
- DoganM95 and snakeye for references on USB PD resistors and auto programming of the ESP32 (see CH340C-Serial-Programmer and ch340g-esp32).
- ducalex for providing awesome software for the platform such as odroid-go-multi-firmware and retro-go.