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| A 3D-printed Red Bull Mini PC built for retro emulation |
For years, the worlds of gaming and energy drinks have been intertwined, with brands like Red Bull sponsoring top-tier esports events and leagues. But one creative modder has taken that relationship to a whole new, literal level. In a project that blends nostalgia, technical skill, and a dash of caffeine-inspired whimsy, a modder known as Titan3DAZ has built a fully functional retro gaming mini-PC disguised as a giant Red Bull can—and he made it as a Christmas gift for his father.
At first glance, the creation seems almost too perfect to be real. But this is no mere prop. Inside the 3D-printed shell of a 62 fl. oz. Red Bull can lies a complete gaming system, housing a Raspberry Pi 5, a 512GB SSD, and 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The exterior is meticulously detailed with custom-printed Red Bull branding, even featuring a modified "ingredients" label that lists the PC's internal specs instead of vitamins and taurine.
A Labor of Love and Nostalgia
The project’s heart is deeply personal. Titan3DAZ built the system for his dad, a retro gaming enthusiast. To make the gift extra special, he pre-loaded the device with a library of classic games, which are conveniently listed on the back of the can like a menu of digital nostalgia.
The included games are a who’s who of arcade and console history:
*Doom 1, 2, & 3, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Galaga, Snake, Asteroids, Pong, Mortal Kombat, Defender, Centipede, Street Fighter, Frogger, Q*BERT, and Robotron: 2084.*
"It’s the perfect combo," one might imagine. "A caffeine boost for the player, and a nostalgia boost from the games."
Engineering the "Can-do" Spirit
Building a cylindrical PC presented unique challenges. Titan3DAZ designed every component from scratch using FreeCAD. The outer shell is a printed sleeve wrapped around a sturdy 3D-printed internal frame that holds the Raspberry Pi, storage, and ports securely in place.
One of the most impressive feats was achieving the authentic Red Bull can labeling. To print directly onto the curved surface, the modder used a special UV printer with a rotary attachment, like the eufyMake E1, ensuring the logos and text were crisp and perfectly aligned.
The system runs Recalbox, a user-friendly, emulation-focused operating system that makes navigating the classic game library a breeze. Connectivity is cleverly routed: the bottom of the can features an HDMI port and a USB-C port for power, while a USB-A port sits on top for controllers.
See the "Retro Rebüll" in action in Titan3DAZ's detailed build video.
In the video, he demonstrates the satisfying reveal, sliding the sleek gaming computer out from its caffeinated cylindrical case.
Open-Source Generosity
In true maker spirit, Titan3DAZ isn’t keeping this innovation to himself. He has generously uploaded all the CAD files and 3D models for free on Printables, inviting other enthusiasts to create their own versions.
You can download the files and start your own build here: https://www.printables.com/model/1524097-retro-rebull-pi5-gaming-pc
The DIY Dream is Alive
This project is a brilliant example of how accessible technology has become. With a Raspberry Pi 5—a powerful yet affordable single-board computer—and a 3D printer, the potential for creative tech projects is virtually limitless. It demonstrates that the most memorable tech isn't always the most powerful; sometimes, it's the most imaginative and personal.
Ready to start your own retro gaming project?
You can pick up the core component, the Raspberry Pi 5, here: https://amzn.to/3NpN5bU
Titan3DAZ’s Red Bull PC is more than a clever mod; it’s a testament to the DIY ethos, a fusion of pop culture and engineering, and above all, a fantastic gift that proves sometimes the best things really do come in unusual packages.