Great news! RetroPi consoles are ridiculously inexpensive! Here’s everything you need.
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Motherboard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CD5VC92/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gD9lAb40651W2
Okay, the first item I linked is the latest Raspberry Pi motherboard.
Smraza Case for Raspberry Pi 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWURJMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.D9lAbV8T20DH
Second is a case that includes a power cable, heat sinks, and a fan. You need all those things and I use this kit to build RetroPis for friends.
Logitech Gamepad F310 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VAHYQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PL9lAbA8GJ8MR
This USB controller is the one I personally use. If he has one like this that he uses with his P.C. it’s not a necessary purchase. But you need at least one to operate the system. If you’re not sure, get one. It’s good quality and can be used with his computer as well. I strongly advise you do not buy the cheap pair of controllers you find on amazon (in the $10-$20/pair range) because they are terrible quality and won’t last the first gaming session.
Samsung 64GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC Card https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XX29S9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pQ9lAb9BKF6ET
The final thing you’ll need is a 64GB microSD card that’s class 10 or higher like this one. The 64GB card will be enough for every single video and arcade game from Atari to Super Nintendo, plus Kodi to boot!
The grand total should run you about $80. He can find the images and programs for free online. It was my first project and I had it done in a day; I’m a girl and had never programmed anything more advanced than my smartphone. If he is unsure of which image to download, I highly recommend Nacho’s Image. A google search will lead him in the right direction. Hope this helps!
Bonus—
Super Tinytendo Case for Raspberry Pi 3, 2, Model B with Large Cooling Fan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JJRWHH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xE9lAbSDKK6QX
I also included a Super Nintendo-looking case, if he’s into a particular retro system. It is not necessary but everything else is. They make them in the shape of the popular old consoles, so you can search for a different one if you like. Or if you get him the black case and he really likes his RetroPi you could gift him the case at a later occasion :)
Here's the recommended SD Card from wirecutter. It's 64GB for $23. Class 10 U3. The SanDisk Extreme is a good backup option but its generally $10 more expensive.
Nope. You need a U3 card. I recommend the SD extreme Pro or the Samsung EVO select ones. That one you linked to is a U1.
I have used both of these to record long 4k shots with zero issues.
Thanks. You are correct. Problem is, Akaso does not appear to understand the distinction between these confusing memory card specs.
They told me:
We recommend memory cards of well-known brands that meet these requirements in the user manual:
• microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC
• U-3 rating
• Capacity up to 64GB (FAT32)
They went on to recommend this card, which is NOT uhs-3:
We recommend the Samsung SD card:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-MicroSD-Adapter-MB-ME64GA-AM/dp/B06XX29S9Q
When I searched Amazon for UHS-3 memory, I received exactly ONE hit:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XX3X9JD/ref=twister_B074G884PQ
Unfortunately, it's a 128GB card which exceeds Akaso's 64 GB limit.
Damn, you need to go deep into the weeds to deal with this camera!
What you could do is hack the vita using the 4gig then get an sd2vita and a 64gig micro sd and then just use the sd2vita instead since its ridiulously cheaper than using the official proprietary cards. techjames has videos on his channel of how to switch your main storage from the proprietary vita mem card to the sd2vita microsd card.
TechJames
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov6MnOJ_nHM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uJ_yc3zgJo
SD2Vita
64GB Micro SD card