Dev tools · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to GameShell

Open Source Retro Gaming & STEM Portable Console

Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. GameShell launched in 2017; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1AR
   A retro video game console I've been working on in my free time▲2,690

   Software and hardware projects for fun from a guy who loves retro computing

   2019 · internalregister.github.io · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Battlecade▲87

   A portable vintage gaming concept for two

   2015 · lovehulten.com · its alternatives →

3. 3
   eNcade ▲63

   A Portable Raspberry Pi Gaming Console (Kickstarter)

   2014 · kickstarter.com · its alternatives →

4. 4
   GAMEPUMP▲68

   A retro gaming subscription service for PC

   2016 · gamepump.com · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Lakka▲85

   Lightweight Linux distro dedicated to retro gaming.

   2015 · lakka.tv · its alternatives →

6. 6IM
   I made a retro game archive for Polish games▲216

   Hi, As a 8-bit C64 game coder in eaarly 90ties and currently mostly FE-focused dev, decided to give a go to a simple retro game archive. This is purely fun project - so i decided to post it to HN, mayne it'll resonate :)

   2023 · polishpixels.com · its alternatives →

7. 7
   The Swapper▲84

   An atmospheric puzzle platformer set on a distant planet

   2015 · store.steampowered.com · its alternatives →

8. 8
   Raspi Boy▲107

   Build your own retro handheld game console

   2016 · kickstarter.com · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Space Shooter▲61

   The classic retro game recreated using Pygame and python.

   2016 · github.com · its alternatives →

10. 10
    Gamebuino▲3

    A retro portable game console project based on Arduino

    2015 · gamebuino.com · its alternatives →

11. 11
    Collect or Die▲59

    A gory retro platformer with dynamic ragdoll physics

    2017 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

12. 12
    Proton Pulse▲56

    3D Arcade Brick-Breaking Action from a whole new perspective

    2015 · play.google.com · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Polycade▲72

    A modern arcade cabinet

    2015 · polycade.com · its alternatives →

14. 14
    Bit Pit▲74

    Score-hoarding arcade jumparound

    2015 · voishark.itch.io · its alternatives →

15. 15
    Swordigo▲55

    A Solid Action-Platformer For Fans Of Retro RPGs

    2015 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

16. 16
    Refunct▲70

    Vibrant first-person platformer

    2015 · store.steampowered.com · its alternatives →

17. 17
    Oort Online▲65

    A voxel MMORPG sandbox

    2015 · store.steampowered.com · its alternatives →

18. 18
    TurnOn▲59

    Colorful and detailed platformer without platforms

    2016 · store.steampowered.com · its alternatives →

19. 19
    SimpleRockets▲54

    A sandbox space experience 🚀

    2015 · store.steampowered.com · its alternatives →

20. 20
    MegaSphere▲80

    A sci-fi themed action platformer with a big shiny gun

    2015 · antonkudin.me · its alternatives →

21. 21
    SteamOS▲72

    a new kind of living room entertainment environment

    2015 · store.steampowered.com · its alternatives →

22. 22
    BOSS Console▲94

    A tiny OS for your always-on agents

    6d ago · bossconsole.ai · its alternatives →

23. 23
    Super Dangerous Dungeons▲77

    A retro-inspired platformer

    2015 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

24. 24
    Cupcade: RaspberryPi Micro Arcade Kit▲76

    Make a miniature arcade cabinet with real, working games

    2015 · makershed.com · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →