Remember the satisfying thunk of sliding a disc into a PlayStation 2? A maker known as Cypherous has channelled that nostalgia into a 3D printable case that turns your Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5 into a tiny tribute to Sony's iconic console. It's the kind of weekend build that gives a forgotten Pi a fresh purpose and a serious dose of retro charm.
What is the PiStation 2 case?
The design is a scaled-down enclosure shaped like the original PS2 console, sized to host the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B or the newer Pi 5. Once printed, it slips around your single-board computer and gives it the silhouette of a mini gaming machine. Pair it with a retro emulation setup, a media server, or a tiny home automation hub and the result is equal parts functional and fun.
The files are available on MakerWorld, so you can drop the model straight into your slicer and start a print in minutes. No remixing or CAD skills required.
How to print it without headaches
This is a great beginner-friendly project because the geometry is mostly flat panels with crisp edges, and there are no exotic features that demand wild settings. A few tips that will make your life easier:
- Layer height: 0.2 mm is a solid sweet spot. Drop to 0.16 mm if you want sharper text and badge details.
- Walls and infill: three perimeters and 15 to 20 percent infill keeps the case sturdy without burning through filament.
- Supports: use tree supports if your slicer has them, and keep an eye on the rear vent area where the Pi's ports poke through.
- Cooling: turn part cooling up for the bridges over the port cutouts so they don't sag.
Print the body in classic console grey or matte black, then add a contrasting badge in blue or silver for the full PS2 look. PETG holds up better if your Pi will run warm under load, while PLA is the easier pick for a desk display piece.
Try it on your printer
An Ender 3, Bambu A1, or Prusa MK4 with a 0.4 mm nozzle will handle this design with no fuss. PLA from Flarelab in cool grey plus a small spool of accent colour gives you everything you need for a faithful build, and PETG is worth keeping on hand if you plan to tuck the finished case behind a TV where airflow is limited. Beginners on a Bambu A1 can simply slice with the default 0.20 mm Standard profile, slot in the Pi, and enjoy a console-shaped companion by dinner time.
Frequently asked questions
Will this case fit both my Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5?
Yes — the design has cutouts sized to host either the Pi 4 Model B or the newer Pi 5. Just be sure to download the version that matches your board so the port openings line up perfectly.
Can I print it on a small printer like a Bambu A1 or Ender 3?
Absolutely. The case fits comfortably on the build volume of any popular hobby printer, including the Bambu A1, Ender 3, and Prusa MK4. A 220 × 220 mm bed is more than enough room.
Should I use PLA or PETG for the case?
If your Pi will be working hard — emulating games or running a media server nonstop — PETG handles the warmth better. For a desk display piece or light-duty home automation hub, PLA prints beautifully and is much easier to dial in.
Do I need to use supports for this print?
Tree supports help around the rear vent and the port cutouts, but the rest of the case is mostly flat panels. If your slicer offers automatic tree supports (Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer), let it do the work and you'll save yourself fiddly cleanup later.
How do I get the two-tone PS2 look?
Print the body in cool grey or matte black, then pause the print near the badge layer and swap to a contrast colour like blue or silver. If you have a Bambu A1 with the AMS Lite, you can plan the colour change automatically in your slicer.
Inspired by reporting from Adafruit.
