A Reddit modder has converted a PS4 Slim console into a much smaller handheld device, complete with an integrated screen, controllers, battery, and more, enabling a portable way to play high-fidelity games on the go. r/wewillmakeitnow shared a few pictures of the custom PS4 Slim handheld, which is an impressive feat of engineering.
This article provides a brief overview of this modded handheld console and explains everything you need to know.
A PS4 Slim handheld device: Everything you need to know
Over the last few years, the global handheld gaming market has grown to USD 16.3 billion (2024 estimation), with projections to reach USD 17.6 billion by the end of 2025. This growth has been driven by strong interest in devices such as the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and other handheld gaming systems in recent years. There are even talks of a supposed PS6 handheld-like device in the works.
It appears a modder, r/wewillmakeitnow on Reddit, couldn’t wait that long and converted their PS4 Slim console into a portable handheld-like device. According to this user, this project took months of work, including designing, testing, and redesigning, to make this console into a fully functional, stable, and operable handheld.
They redesigned the PS4 Slim motherboard with the goal of not only miniaturizing it by getting rid of unused spaces, but also optimizing the layout to improve power efficiency and thermals. The heatsink and fan system was also heavily redesigned for a smaller profile without reducing cooling potential. The portable chassis is 3D printed from ABS plastic, which will not only improve durability but also make it more heat-resistant.
A 7-inch OLED screen is used, along with an HDMI output port that allows external connections. A large battery system with 6× 21700 cells provides an approximate 130 Wh of capacity. Therefore, low to medium-graphics games can run on this battery for 2.7 to 3 hours on a single charge. However, with higher graphics titles, the battery will last between an hour and an hour and a half. You can see the final working handheld system in the picture above.
The Reddit modder clarified that they have no plans to sell or mass-produce this handheld device. It was only a personal engineering feat for them.
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Edited by Sijo Samuel Paul