Tag Archives: mod

PlayStation 4 mod puts a portable console in your hands

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The Nintendo Switch ushered in a new age for handheld gaming devices, but somewhat ironically, PC gaming handhelds are the ones dominating that niche market. There was a time when the PlayStation Portable and Vita were the only “serious” portable consoles around, but neither Sony nor Xbox seems to be in a rush to catch up. No, the PlayStation Portal doesn’t qualify in this regard.

This left PlayStation fans to their own devices to scratch this portable itch, leading to many mods and DIY projects with varying levels of success. What makes the “PS4T” rather notable isn’t its looks, which is downright basic, but the way it tries to reuse as much of the original PS4 Slim hardware as much as possible, leading to some interesting design choices.

Designer: Josh (Restore Technique)

There is no shortage of attempts to shoehorn PlayStation and Xbox consoles into relatively handheld sizes, and many of them require modifying and cutting up the console’s motherboard to shrink the whole system down. Curiously, this particular design doesn’t do that, which simplifies the process a little bit but does mean that “handheld” is loosely applied in this case. Of course, many parts like the optical drive and hard disk have to be removed, but the fan and cooling system are mostly the same.

The PS4 Slim is used as the base for this mod as it has the smallest mainboard, fan, and power draw of modern PlayStation models. An original DualShock 4 controller was also used and gutted, but unnecessary parts like the rumble motor and the touchpad were thrown out. The process is definitely not for the faint of heart, but more seasoned modders probably won’t break a sweat.

What’s interesting about the entire process is how it reveals the considerations that have to be made when designing a portable gaming device. Not only do you have to think about battery capacity and heat management, you also have to consider the optimal placements of components inside. It’s definitely not as simple as throwing everything together to have a pretty layout, but the final design, despite its boxy shape, is satisfying and, more importantly, actually functional.

Of course, Sony would have better engineers and designers to work on such a product, so it’s really a matter of business why it hasn’t yet made a new portable PlayStation. For now, console gamers will have to settle for fan-made handheld designs, presuming they’re not wading into the murky gray area of intellectual property rights.

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Nintendo Wii mod transforms the iconic console into a cute keychain

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Arguably, the Wii was one of Nintendo’s oddest yet most successful gaming consoles, mostly thanks to the novelty and ingenuity of its “Wiimote” controller, the ancestor of today’s Joy-cons for the Switch. Like any other Nintendo gaming machine, it had a number of titles under its belt, including a few notable exclusives that took advantage of that unique controller design. Of course, its time has long passed, and the Wii is nothing more than a footnote in video gaming history, or so it would seem. It’s unsurprising to hear that it is now the subject of no small amount of mods and DIY projects that try to give the historic console a different flavor, and one of the oddest and most adorable is probably this perfectly named “Kawaii” mod that shrinks the book-sized machine down to portable keychain.

Designers: WeskMods, Mackie Kannard-Smith (Yveltal)

Despite its odd controller, the Wii itself wasn’t exactly that distinctive in terms of its design. It came as a rather plain, compact box that had just enough room for important hardware, which included a cooling fan and an optical disc reader. Remove these two, however, and you can probably cram the console into a tiny box, or at least most of it. That’s exactly what the Kawaii project did, a play on the Japanese word for “cute” and the Wii name, turning the large boxy console into a cute keychain accessory.

Kawaii is only 60mm x 60mm big and 16mm tall, not that much larger than keyfobs. Its body is CNC machined from aluminum and has these wavy fins on one side that do more than make the small box look eye-catching. They also function as a passive cooling system since the Kawaii doesn’t have room for any fan of any size at all. Obviously, there’s no space for an optical disc reader either, but that’s not the only thing missing from this tiny console.

It doesn’t have any direct power source or any ports for that matter, leaving it pretty barebones save for the main board that runs the whole show. To actually make it useful, you have to connect it to a dock via pogo pins, and then you’ll have power, video out, and USB ports for controllers. The dock itself is just a little larger than the keychain console, but it’s still a portable setup, presuming you have a way to power it up or connect it to a display.

Sadly, the adorable Kawaii won’t fulfill your dreams of playing Wii games on the go, at least not the ones that need a disc or use a Wiimote, since there’s no Bluetooth connectivity in there either. That leaves you mostly with downloaded games that work fine with a USB controller, and there’s not much of those going around at this point. Still, it looks like an interesting journey to design a cool-looking console you can hang your keys on, one that preserves the spirit of novelty and playfulness of the Wii, even if it doesn’t exactly have its defining features.

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Rare 2001 PS1 controller modded into a quirky PlayStation handheld emulator

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Game controllers today follow a standard design and format, and most of them gravitate between two or three conventions, depending on the major console brand they’re supporting. Once upon a time, however, there was a bit more variety and exploration in what controllers could look like, at least as long as they still supported all the basic controls that the machine and the games required. This gave birth to a few oddities, some of which gained widespread notoriety despite their limited availability. One of those was perhaps one of the weirdest but also rarest controllers ever made for the original PlayStation, and one such design was reshaped to become one is probably one of the most distinctive PlayStation handhelds ever crafted.

Designer: Takara Tomy (modded by Hairoh Satoh)

In 2001, PlayStation owners in Japan got a glimpse of an officially licensed controller specifically designed for the popular Game of Life video game. Unlike rectangular controllers even during that period, this custom gamepad was practically square with a circle at the top edge extending a bit beyond the border. This circle was home to a roulette wheel used in conjunction with that game, earning this Japanese-exclusive design the name “Takara Roulette Controller.”

Images courtesy of miepro_02

More than two decades later, a modder best known for his Game Boy mods has given this rarely-seen controller a new lease on life as a standalone gaming device. The spinner wheel, which has no use in any other game, was replaced by a small LCD screen that allowed the user to play games directly on it. Of course, that also means that the internals of the controller have been gutted out to make room for a small computer, probably a Raspberry Pi or one of its kind.

That alone would have been impressive enough, but the mod goes above and beyond to bring a few modern gaming conveniences. While the original controller is more or less complete when it comes to buttons, the mod adds L and R back triggers as well. The small space also has a memory card slot, USB-C charging, and speakers that truly make the gaming handheld independent and portable. Whether it’s comfortable to actually play on for long periods of time is a different question entirely.

Unfortunately, the controller clearly shows its age with the absence of analog joysticks that are now standard on modern controllers. Then again, since it’s mostly emulating PS1-era games, that’s not exactly a problem either since those titles didn’t make use of such controls. But since it’s technically using a computer that can run emulation software, it’s theoretically possible to also run games from other consoles, particularly classic titles that have simpler controls, less demanding graphics, and gameplay that’s well suited for this retro controller design.

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Boschert B300 Gullwing is a classic remake that entices car mod enthusiasts

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In the world of automotive remakes, there are classics, and then there are those rare gems that redefine what a classic can be. The Boschert B300 Gullwing falls squarely into the latter category. This remarkable creation embodies the dreams and ingenuity of its creator, making the ride a desirable creation for car mod aficionados.

So, what makes the Boschert B300 Gullwing such a standout in the sea of customized vehicles out there? Well, it all starts with the base—a 1988 Mercedes 300CE. At first glance, you might mistake it for the modernized DeLorean. The unassuming Mercedes-Benz has undergone a transformation that takes it from the mundane to the extraordinary realm.

Designer: RM Sothebys

The most eye-catching feature of the modded B300 is its gullwing doors. These iconic doors harken back to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL, adding an air of sophistication and intrigue to this unique creation. They’re not just for show; they’re fully functional and serve as a captivating entry point to the driver’s seat. Under the hood, the B300 retains its Mercedes-Benz heart, which has been tuned and enhanced to unleash its full potential.

Considerable reengineering efforts were dedicated to this bespoke vehicle. The initial doors of the donor car were carefully removed, necessitating a forward movement of the C-pillar by 9.9 inches (25 cm) to accommodate the installation of the new roof-hinged gullwing doors. These doors, impressively large, offer simultaneous access to both the front and rear seats. Additionally, 9.9 inches were skillfully trimmed from the rear overhang to enhance the vehicle’s road-handling capabilities. Furthermore, the sills were repositioned and the unibody was substantially reinforced.

A striking touch is the grafting of the front end of a Mercedes R129-generation SL onto the vehicle’s front. These structural modifications are substantial, and it’s evident that Zagato played a significant role in the design and execution. The final result is so refined that it could easily be mistaken for a creation from Mercedes themselves. Inside, the B300 maintains a classic vibe while incorporating modern conveniences. The cabin is a tasteful blend of vintage charm and contemporary luxury, creating a comfortable and stylish environment for the driver and passengers.

What truly sets the Boschert B300 Gullwing apart is its exclusivity. This one-off creation will be a prized possession for those dreaming of owning a piece of automotive history, that dream might soon become a reality. The Boschert B300 Gullwing is set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction in November for an expected price of €250,000-300,000 ($265-318k) – about a tenth of the price of a real 300SL Gullwing.

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This Game Boy Camera mod is a lo-fi camera you could probably play games on

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Once in a while, a product arrives that is so niche and so unique that it earns a passionate following even decades after it falls off the market. The Game Boy Camera is a perfect example of that kind of product, turning something mundane into a fun and whimsical activity. Although it could hardly compare to the nascent digital cameras of its era, the add-on to the reigning gaming handheld of that time gave delight to the few people who managed to get their hands on one, especially kids. The low-res, retro quality of the camera’s output endeared it even more to fans, many of whom are now adults. Unsurprisingly, that has given birth to many DIY projects and mods for the Game Boy accessory, but this mirrorless camera rendition definitely gets top scores for ingenuity and creativity, especially in its design.

Designer: Christopher Graves

As far as digital cameras go, the Game Boy Camera was basic, even for the crudest sensors of that time. The 128×128 pixel CMOS sensor only took 128×112 pixel photos and in the four-color palette of the non-color Game Boy, which basically meant four shades of gray. Considering it was aimed at kids who wouldn’t be able to even use a digital camera, it was a fun way to capture images, spark the imagination, and, of course, boast to your friends.

The original Game Boy Camera was basically a lo-fi sensor and lens mounted on top of a regular Game Boy cartridge. Given how well the gaming handheld platform has been preserved by fans and gaming historians today, it’s really no surprise that the accessory still works flawlessly. Even better, some have made hacks to keep the flame of creativity alive, including some that added color in post-processing. Needless to say, it was only a matter of time before someone took the Game Boy Camera and turned it into a literal Game Boy Camera.

This DIY project gutted the innards of a slimmer and more power-efficient Game Boy Pocket and shoved them into a custom shell designed to look like a typical camera. It even has a leatherette cover wrapped around its body, just like a typical camera. Since the Game Boy Camera can only be operated using the Game Boy’s controls, the buttons and D-Pad are reused but also relocated to resemble a digital shooter’s controls. One of the buttons is even on the top, acting as a shutter button.

The camera itself had to be redesigned, though, to mimic the look and feel of a mirrorless camera. That said, rather than just simply relocating the lens and sensor, the Camera M, as it is nicknamed, adds an actual camera lens to improve the camera’s performance. The original Game Boy Pocket screen was also replaced with a brighter IPS LCD display that makes the camera usable even at night. The contraption can actually still load normal Game Boy cartridges, though it’s not yet clear if it’s actually playable.

The designer also played around with a different design before that used a Game Boy Advanced with minimal modifications. This Camera M, however, is clearly more refined and more flexible in terms of supporting different lenses in the future. It doesn’t change the Game Boy Camera’s output significantly, other than improving the lens’ focal length, but for the staunch fans of this almost ancient accessory, it is definitely a fun and more convenient way to take pixelated grayscale pictures.

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A PS5 controller mod enables gamers to play with just one hand

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Gaming should be for everyone, and a modder is making sure that the PS5 is exactly that, whether you have two hands or one.

Almost everyone enjoys games, even those that don’t formally consider themselves gamers. From kids’ games to cards games to casual games to hardcore console and PC games, these interactive activities have been bringing both joy and escape for centuries. Video games, however, haven’t exactly been accessible to all, even those titles that have specific accessibility features. Console controllers, for example, aren’t exactly designed for less physically able people in mind, but a one 3D printed add-on is aiming to change that without having to change the PlayStation 5 controller at all.

Designer: Akaki Kuumeri

Perhaps with the exception of joysticks that are better for very specific games, almost all game controllers are gamepads were designed for people that have full use of their two hands and ten fingers. And since games are designed around these two-handed control schemes, people with physical handicaps are often left out of these experiences. It’s more problematic in consoles like the Xbox and the PlayStation where alternative input devices are not supported unless made in partnership with large companies.

Fortunately, there is a growing awareness these days on accessibility in gaming, not just for the games themselves but also for controllers. Microsoft launched an Adaptive Controller for the Xbox long ago, but the PlayStation has yet to get something similar from Sony. There are quite a few DIY projects and mods that try to do something similar for Sony’s console, but the best thing about this One-handed DualSense is that you don’t need to modify the controller or buy anything esoteric. All you need is a 3D printer or a way to get the parts 3D printed.

With the adapter, you will be able to play a PS5 game using a regular PS5 controller with just one hand, no special hardware tricks or software features required. It doesn’t even matter if you’re left-handed or right-handed. Thanks to the PS5 DualSense’s symmetrical design, you can just mirror or flip the schematic before printing it, and it will still work. Bonus points, the mod uses PLA and TPU materials which are better for sustainability compared to other substances.

Admittedly, it’s also not the most ergonomic way to play a game with one hand, nor is it the easiest. Controlling the two analog joysticks requires that you play the controller on top of a surface, like a table or even your thigh, and move the controller in the direction you want the joystick to move. There are also extensions to bring the shoulder buttons all to one side, even allowing a gamer to easily press both L2 and R2 buttons with a single finger. The most cumbersome parts are the four U-shaped “linkages” that let you control the opposite face buttons, but thankfully they’re optional and don’t need to always be attached.

The add-on isn’t going to win any prizes when it comes to appearances, but its winning trait is its simplicity. Designer Kuumeri provides the files needed to 3D print the parts on your own or through some 3D printing service, and that’s pretty much all you need. You don’t even have to break open a PS5 DualSense controller to make it work. There are other designs available on The Controller Project’s page, and it’s quite encouraging to see how gamers and designers are becoming more conscious of the accessibility concerns of gaming.

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The world’s first USB-C iPhone exists… and it wasn’t built by Apple

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Apple may have until 2024 to comply with the EU’s demands to have USB-C as the standard charging port for smartphones… but it seems like a Swiss robotics student may have beaten them to the punch. Meet the world’s only USB-C iPhone (that we know of), hacked together by Ken Pillonel, a master’s degree student in robotics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

The USB-C iPhone has been on Ken’s mind for a while. In fact, he embarked on this journey 5 months ago with a video explaining how he planned on modifying an existing iPhone, and even demonstrating a work-in-progress. Now, Ken’s work is pretty much complete as he debuted his first working prototype of the iPhone USB-C. The modified iPhone doesn’t just sport a USB-C for kicks… the port actually works, and lets you charge your phone as well as transfer data.

At the very heart of Ken’s solution is a redesigned PCB ribbon cable that fits inside the iPhone X, replacing the lightning charging PCB. Ken’s initial experiments from 5 months ago involved using a breadboard to work out the circuitry, before he actually fabricated a pretty professional-looking ribbon PCB that could actually fit inside the iPhone’s housing, sandwiching itself between the other components. The outer chassis of the iPhone had to be CNC machined too, to fit the new, wider port. Ken’s working on a much more in-depth video to showcase his final result and the process behind it, but he decided to give the world a taste of his prototype in a short YouTube snippet.

For now, Ken’s modded USB-C iPhone is probably one-of-its-kind. It isn’t entirely clear if Ken plans on taking his PCB to the market, although I imagine there’s an entire building of lawyers in Apple’s HQ waiting for a chance to fire up lawsuits and cease-and-desist notices to people and companies who create such kits that involve meddling with the iPhone’s hardware.

As a customer, however, the idea of a USB-C iPhone seems quite tantalizing. Imagine having just one cable for your MacBook, iPad Pro, and iPhone, and not needing multiple cables and solutions to charge different devices (or transfer data between them if AirDrop isn’t an option). That being said, unless Apple makes the USB-C iPhone official, Ken’s little hack isn’t going to sit well with the folks at the genius bar when you go to get anything repaired. Don’t expect any of your product warranties to still be valid!

Designer: Ken Pillonel