ZX Spectrum Creator’s Nephew Unveils Ultra-Thin GamerCard Console

The GamerCard is an ultra-thin (128 mm × 88 mm × 6.5 mm, 100 grams) handheld gaming console developed by Grant Sinclair, nephew of ZX Spectrum creator Sir Clive Sinclair. The console is built around a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W processor featuring a custom RP3A0 system-in-package with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 running at 1 GHz. The system has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 128 GB of internal storage, and 512 MB of SDRAM. The display is a 4-inch IPS panel with a protective layer of flush-fit sapphire glass, 254 ppi resolution, and 60 frames per second. Two sub-miniature loudspeakers with monoblock amplifiers and an audio codec integrated circuit for stereo sound are used to provide the audio.

The GamerCard uses a patented sealed PCB sandwich construction with an integrated Zytel layer. This design eliminates the need for traditional plastic casing while incorporating an ultra-thin passive heat sink radiator positioned above the processor to manage thermal performance. Control inputs include eight front-facing silicone control pads featuring tactile snap-dome micro push buttons, as well as left and right shoulder-style buttons located on the rear. The device has an integrated 1600 mAh Li-Po battery that can be charged through a USB-C connector. Battery status is indicated by three mini LEDs: amber for low battery, green for fully charged, and red for charging. For expandability, it features an HDMI output, a Qwiic port for system upgrades, and a USB-C port. Games are pre-installed on the GamerCard, which also supports emulation tools like RetroPie and Recalbox. The current delivery time is up to 10 weeks, and the price is £125.