Penkesu: A Raspberry Pi Handheld with a Waveshare Screen

Penkesu: A Raspberry Pi Handheld with a Waveshare Screen. A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W runs the system, while repurposed Game Boy Advance SP hinges and a flexible HDMI connection keep the folding enclosure compact.

PineMux Editorial 30 Sep 2026 2 min read

Microcontrollers & Input

01 / Project overview

Penk Chen’s Penkesu is a real, open-hardware handheld computer built around a narrow display and an ortholinear keyboard. A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W runs the system, while repurposed Game Boy Advance SP hinges and a flexible HDMI connection keep the folding enclosure compact. The published design includes a bill of materials and an assembly sequence.

02 / Materials & software

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
Waveshare 7.9-inch 1280 × 400 HDMI touch display
48-key keyboard
printed case
hinges and power hardware

FROM THE ORIGINAL PROJECT
The original parts layout shows the small keyboard, display, compute board and enclosure pieces before assembly.
penk/penkesu · View original image

03 / Compatibility & setup notes

This is a custom assembly project rather than a ready-made kit. Substituting another 7.9-inch screen can change mounting, connectors and cable clearances.

FROM THE ORIGINAL PROJECT
The author’s enclosure design view helps explain the screen and keyboard packaging.
penk/penkesu · View original image

04 / Build the project

Check the printed parts and hinge fit against the original display dimensions.
Assemble and test the keyboard, Pi and HDMI display outside the enclosure.
Route the display and power wiring through the documented case layout, then verify the hinge motion before final assembly.

05 / Check the result

Check keyboard input, display orientation and touch alignment while opening and closing the case slowly. Make sure cables remain loose enough to move without being pinched.

PineMux build note: Keep a record of the board revision, firmware version and first successful test. Follow the upstream guide for exact pins and commands.