Modder crafts PlayStation 4 Handheld with 7-inch OLED screen

Modder crafts a fully functional PlayStation 4 handheld using “slim” components

There have long been rumours that Sony plans to build a “PlayStation 6 Handheld” capable of running both PS4 and PS5 games. However, the next-generation of consoles is years away, and some gamers aren’t willing to wait that long for a new PlayStation handheld. A modder on Reddit called “wewillmakeitnow” has crafted a fully functional PlayStation 4 handheld using PS4 Slim components.

This new PlayStation 4 Handheld comes with a 7-inch 1080p OLED screen, a built-in controller, and a large battery pack. The system uses six 21700 cells rated at 6000 mAh each, providing up to 3 hours of battery life under light loads (44W). However, under high loads, the system can draw up to 88W of power, giving the system a battery life of 1.3-1.5 hours.

Sony’s PlayStation 4 is the last console to receive a true “Slim” model. By migrating its PS4 silicon to a newer lithography node, Sony dramatically reduced the console’s power draw. This allowed them to make their PS4 Slim console so small, reducing production costs while increasing power efficiency. For PlayStation 5, Sony has not been able to do this, as leading-edge silicon has become more expensive to produce, and the costs of redesigning modern chips for newer nodes are higher. While Sony has created a newer, slimmer version of its PlayStation 5, it doesn’t deliver the same power, cost, and size savings as traditional “slim” console variants.

PS4 Handheld cooling and connectivity

This PS4 handheld system features an HDMI output, three USB-C ports, and a charging port. The system’s shell is made from 3D-printed ABS. Sadly, this handheld PS4 is not intended for sale or mass production; it’s just a proof of concept. This design proves that a PS4 Slim can be turned into a portable gaming system.

Honestly, it’s amazing that any PS4 console can be turned into a handheld gaming system. That said, this console’s power draw is too high for it to be a viable gaming system. Furthermore, its exposed rear fan is asking for debris to jam/break it.

Power draw is a primary concern for modern handheld gaming systems. For example, Valve’s Steam Deck APU uses between 3W and 15W of power. This portable PS4 can use almost 6x that under high loads. That has a huge impact on battery life. That said, the PS4 Slim is now almost a decade old. Sony could easily craft a PS4-strength SOC that’s suitable for modern handheld gaming. After all, the Switch 2 exists, as does the Steam Deck.

You can join the discussion on this portable PS4 console on the OC3D Forums.