DIY gaming handhelds are gaining traction in the gaming community. Recently, a modder took the original Xbox and turned it into a working handheld console. Now, another modder named Beth Le has crafted a handheld device using a Framework motherboard. It's worth noting that Beth isn't the first to venture into this realm; TommyB made a similar device back in March of this year.
A More Refined Design
Beth Le's creation stands out as it appears more sophisticated than TommyB's Framework gaming handheld. Known as the Beth Deck, it is reportedly easy to assemble. According to Beth, you can put the entire device together in just 15 minutes, adhering to Framework's fundamental idea of simplicity.
Hardware Specifications
In terms of hardware, the Beth Deck utilizes a 13-inch laptop mainboard. Framework offers several options on its website, with the 11th Gen Core i7 1165G7 currently priced at $299. If you want to build a device that competes with the ROG Ally or Legion Go, which is currently $499 on Amazon, consider opting for an AMD 7040 series board.
This DIY gaming handheld is powered by the 13-inch Framework battery, ensuring that the battery life is similar to that of a laptop. Other components include an 8-inch touchscreen and a USB-C dongle with various ports. For the controller buttons, Beth has repurposed a mobile gaming controller.
Potential Issues and Solutions
You will also need some 3D-printed components, which Beth has made available on the project page. While the project seems promising, like many DIY endeavors, it does have some shortcomings. One notable issue is that the battery within the handheld can overheat due to insufficient airflow in that area of the casing. However, Beth has mentioned that this problem will be addressed in the next revision of the project.
