Mecha Comet: The Pocket PC That Stole the Spotlight at CES 2025
Built by an Indian team, this modular marvel is a dream for tinkerers and a glimpse into the future of DIY tech.
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CES 2025 was like a candy store for tech enthusiasts. Everywhere you looked, there were robots doing party tricks, AI systems offering questionable life advice, and futuristic concepts that felt more like fever dreams than feasible products. But amid the cacophony of artificial intelligence and buzzwords, a little device called the Mecha Comet quietly stole the show.
What is it? In the simplest terms, the Mecha Comet is a pocket PC. But calling it that is like calling a Swiss Army knife a “blade.” This modular, open-source gadget is more than just a mini-computer—it’s a love letter to tinkerers, creators, and anyone who’s ever said, “Why can’t I just build it myself?”
Oh, and it's built by an Indian team. Not simply assembled, but actually conceptualized, designed and built.
Taking a Step Back, But in a Good Way
While CES 2025 was all about looking forward, the Mecha Comet took a step back—in the best way possible. It reminded us what a pocket PC should be. Not a smartphone trying to masquerade as a mini-computer, but a device designed with limitless customization in mind.
Unlike the parade of concept devices that screamed, “Look at me, I’ll never hit the market,” the Mecha Comet was refreshingly real. Sure, it was just a prototype, but it’s one that speaks to multiple niches: open-source fanatics, retro handheld gaming fans, right-to-repair advocates, and hardcore PC hardware enthusiasts. In a sea of AI-driven sameness, it was a gadget with personality.
Who Is It For?
Let’s start with the obvious. If you’re the type who wants to pull out a device and immediately know every little thing it can do, the Mecha Comet might not be for you. This is a playground for makers, developers, and anyone who’d rather build their own extensions than buy off-the-shelf solutions.
Think of it as a DIY tech enthusiast’s dream. Need a handheld retro gaming machine? Snap on a gamepad. Want a portable coding platform? Attach the keyboard module. Curious about hardware tinkering? Hook it up to a Raspberry Pi HAT or mikroBUS Click board. The modular design means the possibilities are only limited by your imagination (and maybe your technical skills).
The People Behind the Magic
Now, let’s talk about the folks who made this happen. At the forefront is Shoaib Merchant, a seasoned engineer and visionary who has previously worked on cutting-edge projects for Siemens, where he and his team developed advanced automation systems. Drawing from this wealth of experience, Merchant and his team set out to create something that breaks the mold. They weren’t interested in chasing trends or building another closed ecosystem. Instead, their goal was simple: make a device that’s as versatile as the people who use it.
The team’s goal was to create a device that feels more like a tool than a toy. Mission accomplished.
Sustainability at Its Core
In a world where most tech is designed to die after a couple of years, the Mecha Comet is a breath of fresh air. It’s repairable with just an Allen key, the battery is replaceable, and you can upgrade the storage to up to 2TB. The creators even open-sourced the CAD files, inviting users to modify or build their own extensions. This isn’t just a product; it’s a movement.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The team behind the Mecha Comet is actively encouraging users to dream big with the device and explore its potential for groundbreaking projects. Whether it’s turning the Comet into a DIY Linux phone using an LTE modem, creating a launchpad and remote for drones, or even sending it into orbit as a nano satellite, the possibilities are endless. Users could add a CAN or OBD port to connect with their cars, transform the Comet into a secure and customizable AI assistant, or develop long-range communication tools with SDR. The more ambitious might animate it into a DIY robot or use it as a toolkit for pen-testing (strictly for ethical purposes). The Mecha Comet is more than a gadget; it’s an open invitation to innovate, experiment, and create something extraordinary.
The Road Ahead
Of course, there are still questions. The prototype dazzled at CES, but what comes next? The team is planning a Kickstarter campaign, with early bird pricing starting at $159. That’s right: you could own this modular marvel for less than the price of a mid-range smartphone. They’re also working on new modules and expanding compatibility with other hardware ecosystems. The future looks bright—and modular.
Specs, If You’re Curious
For those who want the nitty-gritty details, here’s what you need to know:
Display: 3.4-inch IPS touchscreen
Processor: ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core at 1.8 GHz
RAM & Storage: 4GB RAM, 32GB expandable storage (up to 2TB)
OS: Mechanix OS (Debian-based, custom UI in Rust)
Modules: Compatible with Raspberry Pi HATs, mikroBUS Click boards, and more
And yes, it can run Doom.
The Mecha Comet isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. And that’s what makes it special. It’s a device that’s unashamedly niche, designed for people who value control, creativity, and community. In a world of disposable tech, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best innovations come from stepping back and rethinking what’s possible.
So, who’s ready to build their own pocket-sized future?