PocketTerm35 Brings a Full Linux Handheld Experience to Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5

Waveshare has launched the PocketTerm35, a compact handheld terminal that turns a Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5 into a self-contained portable computer. The device packs a touchscreen display, a physical keyboard, gaming controls, and optional battery power into a single enclosure measuring 168.5 × 93.5 × 37 mm. It went on sale in mid-April 2026, priced between $88 and $180 depending on configuration.

The PocketTerm35 targets developers, hobbyists, and retro computing fans who want a portable Raspberry Pi setup without carrying separate monitors, keyboards, or power banks. It is one of the more complete handheld enclosures built around standard Raspberry Pi Model B boards, rather than the smaller Compute Module variants.

What the PocketTerm35 Actually Ships With

The front of the device is dominated by a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen running at 640 × 480 pixels. Waveshare used optical bonding and a toughened glass panel rated at 6H hardness, which should hold up to regular use in lab or workshop environments. The display connects to the Raspberry Pi via HDMI, with a five-point capacitive touch layer on top.

Below the screen sits a 67-key QWERTY silicone keyboard arranged in six rows. Numbers have their own dedicated row, which removes the need for awkward function key combinations when entering values in the terminal. The keyboard layout is supplemented by a full set of gaming controls including a D-pad, X/Y/A/B face buttons, left and right shoulder buttons, and Start/Select keys, making the unit compatible with RetroPie and similar retro gaming platforms.

An RP2040 microcontroller handles keyboard input, display brightness, and volume control independently from the main Raspberry Pi processor. This offloading approach keeps the primary board free for computing tasks. Audio is available through built-in 2W stereo speakers or a 3.5mm headphone jack, and connectivity from the Raspberry Pi itself remains accessible, including Gigabit Ethernet and both USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports.

Battery, Build, and the Four Buying Options

Power comes through a USB-C port, and an optional 5,000 mAh lithium battery fits inside the chassis. The device includes an integrated UPS management circuit, meaning it can charge and operate simultaneously without interruption. Battery status LEDs are built into the body. The front cover is aluminum and the rear casing is plastic.

Waveshare sells the PocketTerm35 in four configurations. The entry-level kit at $88 includes just the enclosure and accessories without a Raspberry Pi, microSD card, or battery. Moving up, the Pi5 bundle at around $149 includes a Raspberry Pi 5 with 1GB of RAM, a 64GB microSD card preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS, and the 5,000 mAh battery. The Pi4 bundle at $179.99 swaps in a Raspberry Pi 4B with 2GB of RAM. A fourth accessory-only tier fills the gap for buyers who already own a Pi and want the enclosure with storage included.

The device runs Raspberry Pi OS and requires a small number of manual configuration changes to config.txt to get the display working correctly. Waveshare has published an assembly guide and configuration instructions, with a pre-configured OS image expected to follow. Stock on AliExpress has already sold out, and the product may appear on Waveshare’s Amazon storefront soon.

Where It Sits Among Other Pi Handhelds

The PocketTerm35 is notable for using a standard Raspberry Pi Model B rather than a Compute Module, which means the full-size board’s native ports remain accessible. That design choice creates a visible bulge at the back where the Pi sits, a trade-off for maintaining connectivity that some users will prefer over a sleeker but more limited Compute Module design.

It draws comparisons to the Pilet portable computer, though that project has faced significant delays and recently announced a shift from Raspberry Pi 5 to the Compute Module 5. The PoBoy DMGx takes a very different approach focused almost entirely on gaming. The PocketTerm35 occupies a middle position, functional as a development terminal while retaining enough gaming hardware to serve as a retro gaming handheld.

The 3.5-inch display will not suit everyone. Text at 640 × 480 is small, and extended coding sessions on that screen will require patience. For short field tasks, quick configuration work, or recreational use, the tradeoff is reasonable given the price.

The PocketTerm35 is available now on the Waveshare store, offering one of the more practical all-in-one handheld enclosures designed around a standard Raspberry Pi board. With battery support, a full keyboard, and gaming controls built in, it covers more ground than most competing options at this price range.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

What Raspberry Pi models does the PocketTerm35 support?

The PocketTerm35 is compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and the Raspberry Pi 5. It uses the standard full-size board rather than a Compute Module, so the Pi’s native ports remain accessible. Both Pi 4 and Pi 5 variants are available as complete bundles from Waveshare.

Does the PocketTerm35 come with a battery included?

The 5,000 mAh lithium battery is included in the Pi4 and Pi5 complete bundles but not in the entry-level kit. An integrated UPS circuit allows the device to run and charge at the same time. Battery status can be checked through indicator LEDs on the body.

Can the PocketTerm35 run games like RetroPie?

Yes. The device includes a D-pad, X/Y/A/B face buttons, shoulder buttons, and Start/Select controls, making it compatible with RetroPie and similar retro gaming platforms. It runs on Raspberry Pi OS and can support other Linux-based operating systems as well.

How much does the PocketTerm35 cost?

Pricing starts at $88 for the bare enclosure kit without a Raspberry Pi, microSD card, or battery. The fully configured Raspberry Pi 5 bundle is priced at approximately $149, while the Raspberry Pi 4 bundle costs $179.99. All versions are available through the Waveshare store.

References

CNX Software. (2026). PocketTerm35 – A Raspberry Pi 4/5-based handheld Linux terminal with 3.5-inch touch display and built-in keyboard. April 14, 2026.

Liliputing. (2026). PocketTerm35 is a Raspberry Pi-powered handheld with a 3.5 inch screen and QWERTY keyboard. April 14, 2026.