A modder used the mainboard from a Framework laptop to create a modular handheld gaming PC that's really easy to upgrade.
As Liliputing reports, modder Pitstoptech posted a video on YouTube demonstrating an upgradeable handheld gaming PC. It's possible to upgrade the battery, CPU mainboard, RAM, and storage because it was built using the mainboard from a Framework laptop.
The handheld seen in the video above uses Framework's Core i7-1260p mainboard with Intel Xe Graphics combined with 16GB of RAM, a PCIe 4.0 512GB SSD, 55Wh battery, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The display is a 7-inch touchscreen.
The controllers are connected via Bluetooth and can be detached for a hybrid console experience similar to the Switch. In fact, you could install a Switch emulator on this device and play an enhanced version of Breath of the Wild.
Framework offers a range of mainboards, priced from $450 up to $1,050, as well as some heavily-discounted options such as the Core i7-1165G7 mainboard for $299. Pitstoptech says the handheld can currently be upgraded to a Ryzen 7840U with a 61Wh battery "for maximum performance" and intends to start selling DIY kits to allow anyone to make their own.
The Framework laptop first appeared back in 2021 and offered an easy way to repair and upgrade components because everything is modular. Since then, the 13-inch model has been updated with new component options, and a 16-inch version was introduced. Now if you choose to upgrade a Framework laptop, the old mainboard could potentially have a second life as a handheld.
Playdate Brings Creative Cranking to Handheld Gaming
