NOMADDECK / FOR GAMERS & CODERS
A pocket Linux computer with a full 67-key layout, retro gaming controls, and a color that’s yours. Build something. Play something. Take it with you.
Build your NomadDeck
Animated boot preview · Raspberry Pi OS desktop
CHOOSE YOUR FINISHGreen / White
Raspberry Pi 52GB / 4GB / 8GB / 16GB RAM
Touch + type3.5-inch display · Physical keyboard
Your storage32–256 GB microSD + up to 2 TB NVMe
Worldwide launchShipping quoted by destination
FIND YOUR FIT
Choose 4 GB for a gaming-focused setup or 8 GB for gaming and coding together. Every model shares the same Raspberry Pi 5 CPU and graphics; more RAM gives active apps more room.
NOMADDECK / FIRST EDITION
Retro & terminal
From $399 USD
An entry point for retro games, Linux learning, and portable terminal work.
A good target for NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy / GBA, and PS1 classics with compatible emulators.
Choose 4 GB for more desktop headroom, or 8 GB for local AI coding tools and Docker together.
OUR GAMING PICK
Everyday code & play
From $469 USD
Our gaming-focused pick, with room for everyday Linux and small coding projects.
Our practical pick for retro consoles, classic PC games, and lightweight 2D games. Extra room for the desktop and launcher.
Choose 8 GB to keep an AI editor, browser, and development services open together.
OUR GAMER + CODER PICK
AI coding & Docker
From $569 USD
Our recommended balance for people who want to code, run services, and play.
The same retro game targets, with more RAM for apps in the background. A good fit for gamers who also build software.
Choose 16 GB when your coding projects and services regularly need more RAM.
NOMADDECK / FIRST EDITION
Heavy multitasking
From $769 USD
Maximum headroom for larger coding projects, active services, and datasets.
Choose this for your development workload. All models share the same graphics hardware, so more RAM alone does not raise game frame rates.
Worth choosing when your projects need the RAM. CPU, graphics, cooling, and storage still set limits.
Starting prices include 32 GB microSD and OS installation. Storage upgrades, shipping, taxes, and duties are additional. The configurator shows your final hardware price.
It holds the apps and data you are actively using. More RAM helps when several tools need to stay open or a project needs a larger working set.
Choose 32–256 GB microSD for your OS and files. Optional NVMe is worth considering for container images, databases, and frequent disk access. A bigger drive does not add RAM.
These are workload recommendations based on platform support. NomadDeck performance, controls, cooling, and OS images still need final device testing. See the tool and game guides below for compatibility details. Pi 5 specifications
FOR CODERS
Claude Code, Cursor, and Docker each have a different footprint. These are our model recommendations for a compatible 64-bit Linux setup, with 8 GB as the starting point for doing more together.
Compare all four RAM options. On small screens, scroll the table sideways.
| Tool | 2 GB RAM | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude CodeTerminal coding agent | Use a remote computerSSH to a capable host. Below the local 4 GB minimum. | Minimum RAM tierMeets the published minimum; little room for other apps. | RecommendedMore room for the CLI and your project tools. | More headroomFor larger projects and more active development tools. |
| CursorLinux ARM64 desktop editor | Not recommended locallyBetter suited to terminal work or a remote desktop. | Light projectsKeep extensions, tabs, and background apps modest. | RecommendedOur starting point for the editor, browser, and small services. | More headroomMore room for workspaces, extensions, and local services. |
| DockerEngine + Compose on Linux ARM64 | Light servicesLean OS and small containers with modest RAM needs. | Small stacksPersonal apps and light development databases. | RecommendedA development stack alongside your coding tools. | Larger stacksMore RAM for services; the CPU is shared by every container. |
AI tools: Claude Code supports ARM64 and lists 4 GB+ RAM. It requires internet access and an eligible account. Cursor provides Linux ARM64 builds; our 8 GB recommendation is a NomadDeck recommendation. AI services, subscriptions, and API charges are separate, and availability varies by country.
Your setup: Docker here means Engine and Compose, using ARM64-compatible container images. Capacity depends on each service. Cursor needs a desktop OS; an external display and mouse are recommended for longer editing sessions on this 3.5-inch device.
FOR GAMERS
Retro consoles, classic PC games, and lightweight 2D games are the focus. Pick 4 GB for gaming, or 8 GB when your deck is also your coding machine. The same CPU and graphics power every RAM option.
GOOD TARGET · ALL RAM OPTIONS
NES · SNES · Mega Drive / Genesis
Platformers, puzzle games, arcade shooters, beat ’em ups, and turn-based RPGs through compatible emulators.
2 GB is a sensible entry point. Choose 4 GB for a more flexible everyday setup.
GOOD TARGET · ALL RAM OPTIONS
Game Boy · Game Boy Color · GBA · PlayStation 1
Handheld adventures, racing, fighting games, and classic RPGs. Emulator choice and individual games still matter.
4 GB is our gaming pick; 8 GB adds room for coding tools and other apps.
LIGHT WORKLOADS · 4 GB DESKTOP PICK
Chocolate Doom · OpenTTD · ScummVM adventures
Classic shooters, transport strategy, point-and-click adventures, and lightweight browser puzzles. Use compatible Linux ARM64 software.
Light games can fit 2 GB. Large maps, mods, browser tabs, and game versions change the workload.
TITLE-BY-TITLE TESTING
Dreamcast and later 3D experiments
Selected games can be worthwhile projects, but performance depends on the emulator, graphics settings, and cooling.
More RAM alone does not unlock a new console generation. We are not promising easy GameCube, PS2, or modern AAA play.
A compatible gamepad is recommended for action games and is not included. Games, ROMs, BIOS files, and commercial game data are not included. Display, audio, and controller compatibility will be checked on the final hardware.
Raspberry Pi OS Desktop is the practical starting point for a mix of coding and desktop games. Lite or Ubuntu Server suits terminal work and Docker. Dedicated gaming images are not offered as validated preorder options yet.
Game lists are targets for testing, not an included library or a frame-rate guarantee. Platform references: Raspberry Pi retro gaming · Recalbox hardware guidance · OpenTTD · ScummVM · Chocolate Doom
MAKE IT YOURS
Choose your color, RAM, microSD card, optional NVMe drive, and operating system. Your final hardware price updates as you build.
THE ROAD TO YOUR POCKET
A custom NomadDeck case around the Waveshare PocketTerm35 platform. Built, configured, and checked before it reaches you.
Design & prototypeConfirm the case, fit, cooling, and OS images.
Production & assemblyValidate the first production units and prepare your build.
Target launch · Dec 13, 2026Three-month target. Shipping dates follow production approval.