# Pre-Built Open-Source Consoles The RetroStone Allows for Mobile Gaming and Wired Console Gaming By Justin Lam | Published 2018-11-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrostone References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/11/19/what-were-buying-retrostone-gaming-retro-handheld/) & [8bcraft](http://www.8bcraft.com/retrostone/) Created by 8Bcraft, the RetroStone is a new [vintage gaming console](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ayaneo-pocket-micro-classic) that takes on vintage Game Boy aesthetics. The RetroStone runs on its own version of RetroPi -- an alternative to the wildly popular Raspberry Pi -- that simply requires users to install the operating software before they begin playing. In terms of hardware, the RetroStone comes equipped with a 3.5" LCD screen and enough buttons to make it compatible with many newer systems. Also, unlike similar [compact retro consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retroid-pocket-mini), this device comes fully built and does not require any user construction. In addition to its [portable nature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamercard), the device features four USB ports and an HDMI out. This allows the RetroStone to function more like a traditional gaming console, as players can connect actual controllers and plug the device into a modern television. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Retro Gaming Consoles:** The RetroStone demonstrates the growing trend of pre-built open-source consoles that combine vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. - **Portable Gaming Devices:** The RetroStone's compact design and built-in LCD screen reflect the trend towards portable gaming devices that offer on-the-go entertainment. - **Hybrid Gaming Systems:** The RetroStone's ability to function as both a portable console and a wired console showcases the trend of hybrid gaming systems that provide flexible gaming experiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming Hardware:** The RetroStone presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the gaming hardware industry, as companies can explore creating pre-built open-source consoles with unique design aesthetics. - **Consumer Electronics:** The rise of portable gaming devices like the RetroStone creates opportunities for the consumer electronics industry to develop more compact and versatile entertainment products. - **Raspberry Pi Accessories:** The RetroStone's use of RetroPi as an alternative to Raspberry Pi highlights potential disruptive innovation opportunities in the market for Raspberry Pi accessories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compact Retro-Inspired Handhelds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-pixel-pocket.md) - [Compact Linux Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rg35xx.md) - [Retro Handheld Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pilet-5.md) - [Miniature Retro Game Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rk2020.md) - [Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-classic.md) - [Ultra-Compact Gamer Console Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-gaming-console.md) - [Handheld Cloud-Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rk2023.md) - [Retro Handheld Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modretro.md) - [Tiny Retro Gamer Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/open-source-games-console.md)