Sony has not officially launched a handheld version of PlayStation 4, but a Reddit enthusiast has already realized this idea himself. Based on the PS4 Slim, this master created a truly portable PS4 console that can be played for a long time, rather than just a display for taking pictures.
The entire renovation process is full of technical challenges. The biggest difficulty is cramming the PS4 Slim's motherboard into a relatively compact body, which means physically trimming the motherboard and removing components that can be detached from the system - which requires considerable engineering expertise to avoid damaging key components. Another thorny issue comes from the optical drive control chip, as it cannot be removed directly without the console being able to install firmware updates. The player's solution was to design a detachable module that is only connected during system updates and does not need to be used during normal play.
The cooling system has also undergone a complete reconstruction. The heat pipe not only dissipates heat from the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), but also covers the video memory chip. The airflow design can blow throughout the entire motherboard, including VRM modules, SSDs, Southbridge and other heating components. In addition, an ESP32 microcontroller is used to monitor the operating status and temperature, and can also synchronize the timing of the screen lighting and the PS4 boot logo to avoid the "no signal" prompt during startup.
As for the screen, the device uses a 7-inch OLED panel with 1080p resolution. Interfaces include HDMI for connecting external displays, multiple USB-C ports, and support for external hard drives. The power supply part consists of six 21700 lithium-ion batteries arranged in a 3S2P manner. The battery pack itself is designed to be detachable to ensure safe use.
Battery life varies depending on game load: when running "Uncharted 4" at native 1080p, it can be played for about an hour and a half; when running "Rayman Legends", the battery life can reach about three hours.
