In the ever-evolving world of do-it-yourself (DIY) gaming handhelds, innovation continues to push boundaries. Recently, a creative modder turned heads by transforming the iconic original Xbox into a portable gaming device. Now, another inventive mind, Beth Le, has crafted a DIY gaming gadget using a Framework motherboard, showcasing her skills in this burgeoning trend.
Beth’s creation, named the Beth Deck, offers a sleeker and more polished design compared to an earlier version by another modder named TommyB. One of the most appealing aspects of Beth’s design is its simplicity—she claims you can assemble this handheld marvel in just 15 minutes, perfectly aligning with Framework’s philosophy of straightforward assembly.
The inner workings of the Beth Deck include a 13-inch laptop mainboard with choices available from Framework. Currently, a model with the 11th Gen Core i7 1165G7 is attractively priced at $299. For those seeking performance on par with the likes of the ROG Ally or Legion Go, an upgrade to an AMD 7040 series board, retailing around $499, might be more suitable.
Powering this handheld is the 13-inch Framework battery, offering battery life similar to that of a standard laptop. Complementing this setup are an 8-inch touchscreen and a versatile USB-C dongle with multiple ports. For the gaming controls, Beth ingeniously repurposed a mobile gaming controller, ensuring an engaging user experience.
While Beth’s project is undeniably impressive, like many DIY endeavors, it doesn’t come without challenges. Some users have noted that the battery can overheat due to limited airflow within the device’s chassis. However, Beth is already addressing this concern and promises improvements in the next revision.
For those interested in replicating this project, Beth has provided a comprehensive list of 3D-printed parts on the project page, making it accessible for other enthusiasts eager to try their hand at building their own gaming handheld.
This DIY triumph not only highlights the limitless potential of personal tech innovation but also fuels the growing community of creators who continue to redefine the boundaries of portable gaming.
