A retro gamer’s dream: why the intellivision ii pirto is a must have multicart

As a die-hard retro gaming enthusiast, I’ve spent years curating my Intellivision cartridge collection—each one a little piece of nostalgia, a tangible link to those simpler days of blocky graphics and chiptune soundtracks. But let’s be real: dragging out the old console, blowing dust out of cartridges, and praying the pins align just right can sometimes feel more like a chore than a joy. Enter the Intellivision II PiRTO, a modern marvel that’s breathed new life into my gaming setup—and I’m absolutely obsessed.

The PiRTO II is a USB flash multicart that lets me enjoy my favorite Intellivision games without risking wear and tear on my precious original cartridges. It’s like a love letter to collectors who want the best of both worlds: preserving the past while embracing the present.

Setup was a breeze—plug it into my Intellivision II, power it on, and boom, a slick menu pops up with all my classic titles ready to roll. The fact that it comes preloaded with the original 125 games is a huge win, but the real magic happens when you connect it to a PC via USB and add your own ROMs.

Homebrews, rare demos, you name it—I’ve got my entire library at my fingertips without ever swapping a single cartridge.

What I adore most is how it keeps my collection intact. Those old carts are fragile—decades of love have left some labels peeling and pins finicky.

With the PiRTO, I can stash them safely on the shelf as display pieces, knowing they’re protected from the inevitable degradation of constant use. Yet, I still get to relive those retro moments—diving into Astrosmash or Night Stalker—with the same chunky controller in hand, the same satisfying beep-boop soundtrack filling the room. It’s pure, unadulterated nostalgia, minus the hassle.

The build quality is another standout. The gold-plated circuit board and sturdy carbon fiber PLA shell feel premium, and they ensure a solid connection every time.

No more jiggling carts or cursing at blank screens.

Plus, the reset button on the side is a small but genius touch—back to the menu with a quick tap, no power cycling required.

It’s these little details that show the PiRTO II was made by someone who gets retro gaming.

Sure, it’s not perfect—filenames have to be short and simple due to the FAT filesystem, which can be a minor annoyance when organizing ROMs. But that’s a small price to pay for the convenience and preservation this thing offers. For me, the Intellivision II PiRTO is a game-changer (pun intended). It’s let me keep my cartridge collection pristine while delivering endless hours of classic fun. If you’re a retro gamer with a soft spot for Intellivision, this little device might just steal your heart too. Five stars, hands down.

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Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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