Restore Technique, a well-known YouTuber, has just taken the gaming community by storm with a truly impressive project: a handheld PlayStation 4. He showcased this feat in an intricately detailed 27-minute video. By combining a custom 3D-printed shell, specially crafted PCBs, a 7-inch screen, and the heart of a PlayStation 4 Slim, he brought a fully functional portable console to life. The result? A compact handheld system weighing 1.7 kg and measuring 249 x 156 x 49.2 mm. Some enthusiasts might argue that compared to the streaming-centric PlayStation Portal, Restore Technique’s creation is a worthy successor to the beloved PlayStation Vita.
Dive into his video, and you’ll see how this endeavor stands apart from other handheld console modifications. Unlike the frequently modded GameCube or Wii, Restore Technique’s version uses the more robust PlayStation 4. This choice is bolder given its capacity to run contemporary games, thanks to the PS4’s more potent hardware. It also helps that the PS4 Slim features a design optimized for lower power consumption, simplifying the thermal and power management hurdles.
His approach was methodical. By selecting the PS4 variant with the lowest power demands and a smaller PCB, Restore Technique set the stage for success. He meticulously removed certain ports and components using top-notch soldering equipment—hot air guns aplenty—and employed a Dremel tool to fine-tune the aluminum heat spreader. Recognizing the PS4’s cooling needs, he installed a fan controller to potentially boost fan speeds beyond the factory settings, though he admits there might still be some risk of overheating.
The project didn’t stop there. He ingeniously integrated a DualShock controller into the design, rerouting wires from the controller to fit within the handheld structure. As for power, nothing less than his custom-built battery would do—a 3S2P LiPo 12V 10,000 mAh pack. This innovation includes a beefed-up DC power jack for simultaneous charging and gaming, alongside DC buck converters to precisely manage the necessary 12V and 5V outputs for the screen.
In action, we see the PS4 handheld execute several compelling titles. Impressively, it runs The Last of Us for 86 minutes straight, suggesting that while it’s possible to play untethered, using a charger is the way to go. It’s worth noting, though, that with a battery of such high wattage, it might not be permissible on most flights.
The video dives deep beyond the PlayStation 4 Slim’s motherboard extraction. Restore Technique also spends time on the multi-step design process for the “PS4T” shell (a nod to PlayStation 4 Transport, perhaps). He began with FDM 3D printing before turning to PCBWay for a final resin shell adept at withstanding the console’s heat.
After initial assembly, a few hiccups surfaced—thermal and power issues led to glitches during gameplay. However, by upgrading controller frames and enhancing both the internal electrical shielding and heat dissipation, the handheld overcame these early challenges to deliver steady performance.
In essence, this project exemplifies the ethos of a true maker, blending electronics, 3D printing, soldering, and a spirit of perseverance. For anyone interested in modding or creation, it’s an endeavor worth watching.
