Recently, YouTuber Restore Technique has unveiled a fascinating 27-minute video showcasing his impressive project: a handheld PlayStation 4. He took the original PlayStation 4 Slim motherboard, coupled it with a custom 3D-printed shell, some tailor-made PCBs, and a 7-inch screen, to craft a fully functional portable PlayStation 4. Weighing in at 1.7 kg and measuring 249 x 156 x 49.2 mm, this creation is being hailed by many as a worthy successor to the PlayStation Vita, and perhaps even superior to the PlayStation Portal, which only offers streaming capabilities.
In the video, you get a glimpse of the meticulous effort that went into this build. Restore Technique dives deep into the nitty-gritty details, explaining how this endeavor stands apart from other modified handheld consoles, like the Nintendo GameCube and Wii projects, or even the first-ever handheld Xbox. The PlayStation 4’s hardware, even years after its release, still manages to run a broad range of games, making this project particularly ambitious. What made a big difference, however, is the choice of the PlayStation 4 Slim, which is designed to consume less power, thereby achieving the desired balance between heat and power management.
The process was nothing short of thorough. The selection of a low-power PlayStation 4 model with a smaller PCB set the stage for a series of modifications. Using high-grade soldering stations, Restore Technique expertly removed unnecessary ports and components. A Dremel rotary tool came in handy to trim down the aluminum heat spreader, which manages the heat across the motherboard components. A clever addition was a fan controller, which could dial up the fan’s speed to keep the system cool, though potential overheating remains a concern.
Incorporating a DualShock controller into this handheld required breaking out a lot of test points to reroute wires around the device. The power setup is equally noteworthy, with Restore Technique crafting a robust 3S2P LiPo 12V 10,000 mAh battery pack. To safely handle gaming while charging, they upgraded the DC power jack to a 10 Amp model, utilizing DC buck converters to appropriately regulate the 12V and 5V outputs, particularly critical for the screen’s lower voltage requirements.
The video even showcases some gameplay footage, with The Last of Us running for 86 minutes, underscoring that this handheld is best used while plugged in due to its substantial power draw. It’s worth noting that this battery setup would likely prevent the console from being permissible on most flights.
Beyond extracting the PS4 Slim motherboard, the video walks viewers through the “PS4T” (possibly standing for PlayStation 4 Transport) shell creation. Initially prototyped using FDM 3D printing, the final shell was produced by PCBWay with specialized resin prints, ideal for managing the high temperatures associated with a portable PS4 Slim.
Post-assembly, some thermal and power hiccups resulted in graphical glitches and performance slowdowns in several games. However, after making adjustments like replacing controller frames and enhancing internal electrical shielding and heat dissipation, the handheld began to provide smooth performance without the earlier graphical issues.
This project is a true testament to the intersection of electronics, 3D printing, and soldering, embodying the maker ethos of learning through trial and error. It’s a captivating build that’s definitely worth checking out.
