What if the modular computing evangelists at Framework decided to make a handheld? YouTuber Pitstoptech has largely answered this question by building a “fully upgradeable gaming handheld” around one of Framework’s upgradable motherboards.
Pitstoptech intends to prepare and sell handheld DIY kits “soon,” based on the prototype design you see in the pictures / video.
Framework’s already been encouraging this, they released some designs for a Mini-PC when they released the first upgraded board kit. I think it’s an awesome use case for old laptop parts.
I'm not sure how good it's going to be, considering the lack of discrete GPU... but that said, even onboard graphics would be plenty for many games, and certainly for streaming them from a more powerful computer.
The exciting part here is the shell, not the insides. Indeed the Intel boards aren’t that great for gaming, but once Framework start shipping the AMD boards next month, this thing would become a real contender to the Steam Deck, ROG Ally etc. Load up something like ChimeraOS on it and you’d get a near-Steam Deck like experience.
Framework is also releasing their GPU modules. Hopefully someone finds a way to make that work with a handheld as well, although the form factor of the module might not be handheld-friendly.
If somone wants to mid end game on a gaming handheld disregarding price, people have to hope that AMDs Strix Halo (40CU apu, 6700xt for example is a 40 CU gpu) is a real product next year.
It’s not like you’ll be installing it in there permanently. If you’ve got a Framework laptop or PC case for instance, you could also use it in there. Basically it’s a BYOM (bring your own mobo) situation, so when you’re not gaming on the go, instead of wasting that piece of idle hardware, it could be put to good use. Or vice versa. Maybe you already have a Framework laptop and want to convert it into a handheld gaming device.
The Steam Deck doesn’t have a discrete GPU either. Though this was with an Intel chip, and they don’t have anywhere near as good onboard graphics as AMD.
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