Ever wanted to build your own gaming console without spending hundreds of dollars? Enter the paper console: a DIY, eco-friendly project that blends creativity, engineering, and gaming into one fun activity.
What Is a Paper Console?
A paper console is a functional or decorative gaming device made primarily from thick paper, cardboard, or pre-designed papercraft templates. Unlike traditional plastic consoles, these use folded, cut, and glued paper components to create a housing for basic gaming hardware, or even standalone paper-based games.
Nintendo’s Labo kits, launched in 2018, popularized the concept by pairing cardboard cutouts with the Nintendo Switch to create playable piano, fishing rod, and robot kits. But DIY paper consoles go far beyond Labo—hobbyists now build everything from mini arcade cabinets to handheld paper Switch clones.
Why Build a Paper Console?
- Budget-friendly: Most materials cost under $10, requiring only paper, glue, scissors, and optional low-cost electronics like a Raspberry Pi Zero.
- Eco-friendly: Uses recycled cardboard or paper, cutting down on single-use plastic waste common in traditional gaming hardware.
- Educational: Teaches basic engineering, folding techniques, and even simple coding if you integrate programmable electronics.
- Customizable: Paint, sticker, or modify your console to match your personal style or favorite game franchise.
- Fun for all ages: A great project for kids, teens, and adult gamers looking for a hands-on creative outlet.
How to Build Your First DIY Paper Console
Ready to try your hand at making a paper console? Follow these simple steps to get started.
Materials You’ll Need
- Thick cardstock or recycled cardboard (empty cereal boxes or shipping boxes work perfectly)
- Scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision required for kids)
- Glue stick or low-temperature hot glue gun
- Printable paper console template (find free beginner options on Instructables, Pinterest, or papercraft forums)
- Optional: Low-cost single-board computer (Raspberry Pi Zero, ~$10), small LCD screen, and tactile buttons for functional gaming
Step 1: Pick Your Template
Choose a template that matches your skill level. Beginners should start with a simple handheld paper console design, while intermediate builders can try a mini arcade cabinet. Print the template on thick cardstock for maximum durability.
Step 2: Cut and Fold
Carefully cut out all template pieces along the solid lines. Fold along dashed lines as instructed—take your time here to avoid ripping the paper. Use a ruler to make crisp, even folds for a professional finish.
Step 3: Assemble the Console
Glue pieces together in the order specified by the template. Let each section dry fully before adding the next to avoid warping the paper. If adding electronics, leave pre-measured space for the screen, buttons, and battery pack.
Step 4: Customize and Play
Once assembled, decorate your paper console with markers, stickers, or washi tape. If you added a Raspberry Pi, load it with retro game emulators to play classic NES or Game Boy titles. Even without electronics, you can draw paper game cartridges or play simple paper-based games like Tic-Tac-Toe on the console’s "screen."
Top Paper Console Project Ideas
- Paper Switch Clone: Build a foldable handheld console that mimics the Nintendo Switch, complete with detachable "Joy-Con" style controllers.
- Mini Arcade Cabinet: Create a tabletop arcade machine with a small LCD screen and working joystick buttons.
- Retro Replica Display Piece: Build a non-functional replica of your favorite retro console (like the NES or PlayStation 1) to display on your shelf.
- Kids’ Safety Console: Make a soft, paper-based console for young kids to play with, no small electronics required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using thin printer paper instead of cardstock: It won’t hold its shape and will tear easily.
- Rushing the glue drying process: Warped paper consoles are difficult to fix once fully assembled.
- Skipping the template test fit: Make sure all pieces align correctly before applying glue.
- Overloading with heavy electronics: Standard paper can’t support large batteries or heavy screens.
Final Thoughts
A paper console is more than just a craft project—it’s a way to engage with gaming in a creative, sustainable, and budget-friendly way. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a parent looking for a screen-free activity, or a DIY hobbyist, building a paper console offers endless customization options and real sense of accomplishment.
Grab some cardboard, download a template, and get crafting—your dream paper console is just a few folds away.
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