Modder Transforms PlayStation 4 Slim into a Portable Handheld Console

YouTuber Restore Technique has outdone himself with an intricate 27-minute showcase of his personal project: a PlayStation 4 handheld. Crafted meticulously from a 3D-printed custom shell, bespoke PCBs, a 7-inch screen, and the original PlayStation 4 Slim motherboard, this creation is a bonafide portable PlayStation 4, measuring in at 249 x 156 x 49.2mm and weighing 1.7 kilograms. In the eyes of many enthusiasts, this brilliant piece of engineering might just be the true heir to the PlayStation Vita throne, far surpassing any streaming-only alternatives like the PlayStation Portal.

As shown in the detailed video, what makes this project truly stand out amongst other handheld console modifications—such as those commonly done with GameCube and Wii consoles—is its use of a considerably more powerful system. While PlayStation 4 and comparable PC hardware from its era can still run many modern games, crafting such a handheld is decidedly more ambitious. Restore Technique’s choice of the PS4 Slim is no accident; its low-power design is perfect for achieving the necessary balance of heat and power, making it ideal for this unique portable PlayStation.

Restore Technique’s attention to detail is evident throughout his process. Opting for a PS4 model with reduced power requirements resulted in a smaller PCB, which he skillfully modified by removing extraneous ports and components using advanced soldering techniques and trimming down the aluminum heat spreader with a Dremel tool. Cleverly, he also integrated a fan controller to keep things cool, although he speculates that overheating might still be an issue.

The handheld design smartly incorporates a Dual Shock controller, with a web of wires extending from various test points relocated across the device’s structure. Powering this bulky setup is a custom-made 3S2P LiPo 12V 10,000 mAh battery pack. A robust 10 Amp DC power jack enables both charging and gaming simultaneously, thanks to DC buck converters that manage the voltage for both the 12V and 5V rails. This configuration ensures the screen operates safely without exposure to excessive voltage.

Gaming footage, including a substantial 86-minute session of The Last of Us, shows that this device performs best when tethered to a charger. However, its substantial battery might raise eyebrows at airline boarding, as its high wattage makes it unsuitable for most flights.

Restore Technique doesn’t hold back in the video, taking viewers through the intricate prototyping stages of the “PS4T” shell—short for PlayStation 4 Transport, as it is rumored to be named—first with FDM 3D printing, before entrusting the final resin shell fabrication to PCBWay, opting for materials better suited for managing the high-heat conditions of a mobile PS4 Slim.

Initially, the PS4T faced challenges with thermal and power issues that caused graphical glitches and slowed performance in several games. However, after addressing these issues with reinforced controller frames, enhanced electric shielding, and improved heat dissipation, the handheld now runs smoothly, free of visual distortions.

This project isn’t just a stunning build—it encapsulates the spirit of a true maker with expertise spanning electronics, 3D printing, and soldering. It demonstrates the beauty of learning through trial, making it a must-watch for tech enthusiasts.