PiTrex doesn’t just play games—it reimagines what the Vectrex can be.

Ships immediately!

Be aware!

Raspberry Pi boards and SD cards have experienced significant price increases due to global supply chain disruptions and sharply increased demand. Limited availability has further driven up costs, with some Raspberry Pi models reportedly doubling or even tripling in price. According to industry sources such as Tom's Hardware and TechCrunch, these increases are also linked to the rapid expansion of AI technologies, which has intensified demand for the same components used in many AI-powered devices.

NOTE: See the video demo below.

NOTE: Prices for Raspberry Pi boards and SD cards have doubled due to shortages because of the AI d

NOTE: Vector-based arcade GAME ROMS ARE NOT INCLUDED ON THIS CART - you need to find them yourself. You should be familiar with copying files to an SD card.

For example:

1. Search google for "Star Wars arcade ROM file"
2. Access the site
3. Download the *.zip file
4. Copy to either /roms or /roms/aae - depnding on the ROM file
   (Vectrex or Arcade)

More information about the Baremetal operating system and other details can be found here

What you are getting:

• Complete PiTrex Cart
  • Genuine, official Raspberry Pi Zero WH board
  • Custom case with custom graphics
  • PiTrex board - manufactured by OmberTech
  • 32 GB SD card - pre-installed with:
    • Baremetal operating system
    • Sample ROM files, homebrew games and demos
  • NOTE: Vectrex and other vector arcade GAME ROMS ARE NOT INCLUDED ON THIS CART - you need to find them yourself 

About PiTrex

PiTrex is an open-source hardware expansion that transforms the classic Vectrex into a powerful, modern vector graphics system driven by a Raspberry Pi.

Designed to plug directly into the Vectrex’s cartridge port, PiTrex bypasses the original game cartridges and gives the Raspberry Pi direct control over the Vectrex’s high-resolution vector display and sound hardware. The result is a unique fusion of vintage analog vector graphics with modern computing power.

Who created PiTrex

PiTrex is the result of collaboration between several key figures in the retro-computing and Vectrex homebrew community. Each contributor played a distinct role in bringing the platform to life:

Key contributors

• Graham Toal – The visionary behind the original concept of connecting a powerful modern CPU to the Vectrex, laying the groundwork for PiTrex.

• Kevin Koster – Designed the physical PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that interfaces the Raspberry Pi Zero with the Vectrex hardware.

• James Churchill – Contributed to hardware development, including work with programmable logic devices.

• Chris Salomon (known as Malban) – Developed a large portion of the software stack and core codebase, enabling games, demos, and tools to run on PiTrex.

Together, these contributors created a platform that allows users to run homebrew games and modern applications on the Vectrex, using the original console as a vector display and controller.

What PiTrex lets you do

• Run new vector games and demos written specifically for PiTrex

• Play classic vector arcade titles recreated for the Vectrex display

• Use the Vectrex as a vector monitor for Raspberry Pi applications

• Experiment with custom software, graphics, and audio at a low hardware level

Key features

• Direct hardware interface to the Vectrex display and sound system

• Raspberry Pi–powered performance and flexibility

• Open-source design for hardware hackers, developers, and retro enthusiasts

• Supports original Vectrex controllers and controls

Who it’s for

PiTrex is ideal for retro gaming fans, makers, and developers who want to push the Vectrex far beyond its original capabilities—whether that means creating new games, exploring vector graphics programming, or simply experiencing classic visuals in an entirely new way.

Legal Disclaimer – ROM Files & Emulation

This product includes emulation software only and does not include any ROM files, game data, or copyrighted content.

Downloading, copying, or distributing ROM files for games you do not legally own may violate copyright laws in your country. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that they comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws regarding emulation and copyrighted materials.

ROM files should only be obtained from games that you personally own in physical or legally licensed digital form, and only where such copying is permitted by law.

We do not provide ROM files, do not host ROM files, and do not endorse or encourage downloading copyrighted material from third-party websites.

By purchasing and using this product, you acknowledge that:

• You are solely responsible for how you obtain and use ROM files

• You assume all risks associated with visiting third-party websites

• We are not responsible for any legal consequences, data loss, malware, or damages resulting from the use of emulation software or ROM files obtained elsewhere

This product is intended for legal backup, preservation, and homebrew use only.

What’s happening with Raspberry Pi pricing

• Raspberry Pi has raised the prices of multiple models in its popular single-board computer lineup — including Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 variants — as a direct response to rising memory (RAM) costs. The increases vary by model, typically adding $5 to $25 more compared with previous pricing.

• For example, the Raspberry Pi 5 with higher memory configurations now costs significantly more than earlier in 2025. A 16 GB Pi 5 went from around $120 to about $145, reflecting the impact of higher component costs.

• Raspberry Pi also introduced a new 1 GB Raspberry Pi 5 model priced around $45, aimed at keeping entry-level Pi pricing accessible amid the broader hikes.

Industry context — memory shortages

• The cost increases are linked to a broader shortage and price surge in memory chips, especially DRAM, which has been driven largely by booming demand from AI infrastructure projects and data centers. This trend has squeezed memory availability for lower-cost consumer and hobbyist hardware.

• Tech coverage notes that memory prices have risen rapidly, and even historically affordable computing like Raspberry Pi — long prized for low cost — is experiencing price pressure for the first time in many years.

Company outlook and reaction

• Raspberry Pi’s leadership has communicated that these pricing adjustments are temporary measures to cope with memory shortages and rising costs, and that the company aims to “unwind these price increases once it abates.”

• In recent investor-related reporting, Raspberry Pi warned of ongoing supply constraints into 2026 and emphasized efforts to manage chip availability while preserving its product roadmap.

Market impact

• Other tech sectors are seeing similar component cost pressures, with memory shortages contributing to higher prices across consumer and enterprise hardware. Raspberry Pi’s price hikes exemplify a wider trend rather than an isolated change.