A Reddit user created a functional portable PS4 Slim using original hardware, featuring a custom cooling system, 7-inch OLED display, and battery power for up to 3 hours of gameplay.
© Reddit / wewillmakeitnow
A Reddit user known as wewillmakeitnow has showcased an unusual project: a fully functional portable version of the PS4 Slim, built by hand using the console's original hardware. The device is based on the standard PS4 Slim motherboard, which the creator carefully reworked to reduce its size and optimize the layout without losing any functionality. The goal wasn't just to shrink the case but to improve energy efficiency and cooling by removing secondary components.
To ensure stable performance under load, the builder designed a custom cooling system with active temperature management. Special air channels and heatsinks allow the console's APU to handle demanding scenarios without throttling. The display is a 7-inch OLED panel with 1080p resolution, while an ESP32 microcontroller handles temperature monitoring, power consumption, and charging. It also automatically shuts down the device in case of overheating or if the battery voltage drops below a safe level.
Despite its portable form, the console retains its home capabilities. It features an HDMI output, allowing it to connect to a TV like a regular PS4. Inside, six 21700-format batteries provide a total capacity of around 130 watt-hours. In less demanding games, power consumption is about 44 watts, offering up to three hours of playtime, while modern AAA titles push it to 88 watts, reducing battery life to roughly an hour and a half.
An interesting detail is the inclusion of three USB-C ports: one is used for configuring the ESP32, another for charging, and the third is directly connected to the PS4 system for gamepads and external storage. The creator emphasizes that this is purely a passion project with no plans for commercial sales or production.