Build your own Sega Megadrive Mini

Retro Gaming Tech and Product Reviews March 27, 2019

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There are nearly endless options in regards to cases for Raspberry Pi users. For those however looking specifically for a retro gaming case, RetroFlag has you covered with some of the finest recreations of your favorite 8 and 16-bit gaming consoles from Nintendo and Sega. Today we are building a Sega Megadrive Mini.

Sega Megadrive Mini

Here at Pixelated Gamer, we have completed several Raspberry Pi projects, including a Raspberry Pi Zero nestled into a Dr. Mario NES Cart, known as the “NES Pi Cart“. I now have a Mini Raspberry Pi NES, SNES and N64, but alas no Sega systems to place beside them. That was until I saw this Megadrive case from RetroFlag.

MEGAPi Case_RetroFlag — The ON and OFF switch is functional, as well is the Reset Button and Volume slider which ejects the top. (Scripts needed for On and Off and Reset functionality)

The craftsmanship from this vendor is simply unmatched at the moment. The attention to detail that RetroFlag has put into this model is on another level that will thrill any gamer fond of this 16-bit era that the case hearkens back to so accurately.

Included with the RetroFlag Megadrive case

Instructions and link to access shutdown and reset scripts
Safe Shutdown and Safe Reset
Functional LED power indicator
Functional POWER and RESET buttons
MEGAPi CASE specifically designed for Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (B Plus) 2
Easy access to the SD-Card and all other ports without opening the case

We installed a Raspberry Pi 3 inside this case. I already had one with some excellent heat sinks in place to ensure the RP3 had a sufficient cooling solution. This helps significantly in keeping the temps in a safe range during gaming. I bought a bundle pack that included additional heat sinks and a fan. The heat sinks I already had installed were far larger, so I simply kept them on and put the fan away for another project.

Be forewarned though, it’s a tight fit in this case. There are two minor issues or things you’ll want to keep in mind during the install. If you want to use the fan, you’ll need slim heat sinks installed if you every hope everything to fit inside the Megadrive Mini. I had to forego the fan, as the larger heat sinks were just not going to have the room needed inside. Secondly, be sure you remove the SD card before putting this together. Often the reverse is the rule, but not in this scenario. The case can make contact with the lip of the SD card if you try to tighten it down with it inserted. Just put it in carefully after you have everything secured to be on the safe side.

Raspberry Pi 3 installed and connected to the USB PCB

Back of the case (Audio, HDMI and Power ports)

Showcase Theme on RetroPie

We are of course running RetroPie (Download and install on Micro SD Card). Be sure to update to the latest version to ensure you have access to the newest themes available. For this project, the “Showcase” Theme was an absolute perfect fit and gives a beautiful presentation with all the game art and descriptions. It even features a fantastic shot of the Megadrive when you select the Sega icon.

Let’s hope RetroFlag continues building Raspberry Pi cases for retro gamers, as they have a serious talent for it. I’d love to add a Dreamcast or PlayStation Raspberry Pi Mini to this collection down the road.