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| YouTuber Lecctron tests the gaming performance of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. |
In an age where modern gaming smartphones pack enough power to handle console-quality titles, it’s natural to wonder just how tiny a true gaming PC can actually get. We’ve seen handhelds shrink, components slim down, and cooling solutions become more efficient. But what happens when you push the boundaries to the absolute limit? Tech YouTuber Lecctron recently set out on a fascinating mission: to find the smallest possible PC capable of running Minecraft. What he discovered might just change the way you think about “gaming hardware.”
The challenge sounds simple at first. But as Lecctron quickly learned, defining what even counts as a “gaming PC” at the microscopic scale is surprisingly tricky. Many ultra-small single-board computers like the VoCore 2 or NanoPi NEO Air look impressive on paper, but they fall short when you actually try to use them like a real computer – most can’t connect to a standard monitor without complex workarounds or additional adapters. So, the search began in earnest for a board that was both unbelievably small and genuinely functional.
Enter the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: Tiny, but Mighty?
After ruling out several contenders, Lecctron landed on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. This single-board computer measures just 65 × 30 mm – barely larger than a pack of chewing gum. Despite its minuscule footprint, it supports a monitor via mini-HDMI, accepts USB input devices, and runs a full operating system. Under the hood, you’ll find a quad-core CPU, VideoCore IV graphics, and 512 MB of RAM.
While the exact kit shown in Lecctron’s video is no longer available, a similar starter kit can be found on Amazon for around $40. That raises an immediate question: can something this cheap and this small actually play games?
Gaming Benchmarks: From Minecraft to PlayStation Classics
So, what games can the “world’s smallest gaming PC” actually run? Lecctron put the Pi Zero 2 W through its paces with a variety of titles and emulators, and the results were surprising.
Minecraft – A Qualified Success
The first test was, of course, Minecraft. Using the specially designed Minecraft Pi Edition, the little board managed to hit around 60 FPS. However, there’s a catch: this only works in Creative Mode with a very short render distance. Survival mode with mobs and dynamic environments? That’s a different story. Still, for a device that costs less than a medium pizza, seeing a blocky world render smoothly at 60 frames per second feels like a small miracle.
PlayStation 1 Emulation – Surprisingly Smooth
Moving into retro territory, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W truly shines. The YouTuber tested several PS1 classics, and the results were impressive:
- Doom – Rock-solid performance.
- Wipeout XL – Smooth, fast-paced racing with no major hiccups.
- Silent Hill – Atmospheric and playable.
- Tomb Raider Chronicles – Ran without issues.
- Final Fantasy IX – Turn-based battles and world exploration felt natural.
For fans of 32-bit era gaming, this tiny board is a legitimately viable option.
Nintendo 64 and PSP – The Breaking Point
Not everything ran perfectly. N64 emulation proved more challenging. Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask are technically playable, but they suffer from regular stutters and frame drops that can ruin the immersion. PSP games were a mixed bag: lighter titles like LocoRoco and LittleBigPlanet PSP ran well, while more demanding racers like Wipeout Pulse limped along at only 15-20 FPS.
Why Aren’t All Gaming PCs This Small?
If a $15 board can run Minecraft and PS1 games, why are gaming PCs still the size of small suitcases? The answer comes down to three things: power, space, and cooling. High-end gaming requires beefy GPUs, multi-core CPUs, and fast RAM – all of which generate significant heat. That heat needs to be dissipated with fans, heat sinks, or even liquid cooling. A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W uses a fraction of the power and produces almost no heat in comparison.
But for a specific niche – retro gamers, DIY enthusiasts, or anyone who just wants a fun weekend project – this tiny computer is a revelation. You can build a fully functional “gaming PC” for around $15 (just the board) or $40 for a starter kit. It won’t run Cyberpunk 2077 or even modern Minecraft with mods, but it’s perfect for classic PlayStation titles, early 3D games, and lightweight indie projects.
The Verdict: A Toy, a Tool, or a Triumph?
Lecctron’s experiment proves that the definition of a “gaming PC” is more flexible than most people realize. Is the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W a serious alternative to a desktop rig? Absolutely not. But as a proof of concept – and as a genuinely fun way to play retro games on a device smaller than a credit card – it’s an undeniable success.
For DIYers, this opens up all sorts of possibilities. Imagine embedding one of these into a custom handheld case, a mini arcade cabinet, or even a keyboard. The Pi Zero 2 W isn’t just a curiosity; it’s a platform for creativity.
So the next time someone tells you that you need a massive RGB-lit tower to enjoy games, just point them to a 65×30 mm board running Final Fantasy IX at full speed. Size, it turns out, isn’t everything.
Have you tried building an ultra-small gaming PC? What’s the tiniest device you’ve ever played Minecraft on? Share your thoughts in the comments below.