Modder Transforms PlayStation 4 Slim into a Portable Handheld Console

In an impressive display of technical prowess, YouTuber Restore Technique has unveiled a remarkable 27-minute video showcasing his personal endeavor: a handheld PlayStation 4 project. Utilizing a customized 3D-printed shell, bespoke PCBs, a 7-inch display, and the original motherboard from a PlayStation 4 Slim, Restore Technique has crafted a truly portable PlayStation 4 device. Weighing in at 1.7 Kg and measuring 249 x 156 x 49.2mm, some enthusiasts are already hailing it as a superior successor to the PlayStation Vita, overshadowing even the streaming-only PlayStation Portal.

In the extensive video, Restore Technique delves into how this portable console stands out amongst other modded handhelds, which often revolve around Nintendo devices like GameCube and Wii. His project ventures into uncharted territory by utilizing a robust console like the PlayStation 4, which, along with similarly powered PCs of that era, is still capable of running various games. This ambitious project has been facilitated by the choice of a modified, energy-efficient PlayStation 4 Slim, achieving a delicate balance between heat and power management necessary for handheld functionality.

Restore Technique meticulously selected a PlayStation 4 model with a smaller power footprint, optimizing the PCB size. Through painstaking efforts, involving advanced soldering techniques and a Dremel to trim down the aluminum heat spreader, the device’s cooling mechanism was enhanced. Savvy enough to integrate a fan controller, he managed to ramp up the fan speed to maintain an optimal temperature—though he acknowledges this might not completely eliminate the risk of overheating.

Ingeniously, a DualShock controller was incorporated into the handheld design. Restore Technique navigated the complex wiring from numerous test points on the controller, skillfully rerouting them to align with the handheld’s new layout.

Given its specs, this handheld demanded significant power. Restore Technique constructed a custom 3S2P LiPo 12V 10,000 mAh battery pack, complete with a DC power jack upgrade to a 10 Amp model. This ensured safe charging and gameplay simultaneously. He employed DC buck converters to manage the 12V and 5V rails to prevent overvoltage, especially crucial for the screen operating at lower voltages.

Showcasing gaming footage in the video, where The Last of Us runs for 86 minutes, demonstrates that this handheld is ideal when plugged in, especially considering the high battery wattage poses travel restrictions on most flights.

The journey into creating the “PS4T” (dubbed “PlayStation 4 Transport”) involved a rigorous prototyping phase for the shell, starting with FDM 3D printing. A final resin shell was then produced by PCBWay, tailored for the high-heat conditions expected of a portable PlayStation 4 Slim.

Despite initial thermal and electricity hiccups that caused graphical glitches during gameplay, tinkering improvements in the controller frames and internal shielding eventually stabilized the performance. This project beautifully encapsulates the essence of DIY culture: a testament to learning through trial and error, pushing the boundaries of gaming device customization. It’s undoubtedly a build that deserves your attention.