The handheld gaming world has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and much of this can be attributed to the success of consoles like the Nintendo Switch. While not the first of its kind, the Switch proved that playing games on the go didn’t have to mean sacrificing performance or game variety. This marked the beginning of a new era in portable gaming, with mini PCs and gaming handhelds becoming a staple for many players who seek portability without giving up on full-fledged gaming experiences. Yet, despite the myriad of designs and DIY projects, the industry has remained largely dominated by the standard button-and-joystick configurations that are common in gaming controllers.
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But what happens when you push the envelope and completely rethink the design of a handheld console? One daring designer, Marcin Plaza, did just that by embracing a more unconventional approach. In a world filled with standardized form factors, Plaza has unveiled something truly unique—a hybrid handheld that reimagines what a portable gaming console can be. His creation blends the form factor of the Nintendo DS with the technology of a laptop, pushing the boundaries of what a DIY gaming device can be.
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A New Approach: Trading Joysticks for a Keyboard and Trackpad
The device, dubbed the “DS Deck”, immediately stands out due to its ultra-wide form factor. At first glance, it looks like a hybrid between a clamshell Nintendo DS and a fully functional laptop. However, what sets this project apart isn’t just its wide shape; it’s the decision to ditch the traditional joysticks and replace them with a keyboard and trackpad—an unorthodox choice in a space where handheld gaming typically prioritizes tactile controls.
The inspiration for this design stems from Plaza’s personal frustration with the limitations of joysticks in gaming. Joysticks are fine for certain games, but they don’t always provide the precision and versatility that some players need, especially for genres that require a more nuanced input method. For Plaza, a keyboard and trackpad setup seemed like a more natural and adaptable solution, especially considering the growing trend of PC gaming on the go.
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To make this vision a reality, Plaza began with a broken Lenovo laptop motherboard—an already-assembled piece of hardware that could run a full operating system, such as Windows or Linux. The motherboard’s existing specs were perfect for a DIY project of this caliber. However, Plaza knew that simply repurposing the motherboard wouldn’t be enough. He needed to design a custom shell to house the motherboard, screen, and keyboard/trackpad interface. This would require a complete rethink of the form factor, especially considering the need for an ultra-wide screen.
The Ultra-Wide Design: A Compromise Between Space and Usability
Finding the right screen for this project posed its own unique set of challenges. Plaza needed a display that could handle an ultra-wide aspect ratio and still fit into the available space. After searching for compatible components, he settled on a 12.7-inch screen—an unconventional choice that would allow for the necessary widescreen experience without being too large or unwieldy.
The decision to use an ultra-wide screen opened up new possibilities for multitasking and multi-window gaming. The DS Deck is capable of running two windows side by side, making it an attractive option for those who want to do more than just play games on the go. This ability to split the screen for multitasking is a feature that would have been unthinkable with traditional handheld devices, where the focus is almost always on single-window, full-screen gaming.
However, the ultra-wide display comes with its own set of limitations. While it offers plenty of space for multitasking, widescreen compatibility with games is somewhat of a mixed bag. Many modern games are designed to work with standard aspect ratios, meaning that the DS Deck might require some tweaking to make sure it delivers a satisfying experience across the board. Nonetheless, Plaza’s design represents a bold step away from the norm, offering an entirely new way to interact with games and content.
The Challenges of a Custom Design
While the ultra-wide form factor and non-traditional controls are the most eye-catching aspects of this DIY project, the real story lies in the intricate and sometimes difficult design and assembly process. Plaza didn’t just slap together a motherboard, screen, and keyboard—he spent countless hours designing custom circuit boards and wiring together the necessary components to make everything function properly.
One of the key hurdles he faced was the need to modify the keyboard and button layout to accommodate the unique input style he had in mind. Traditional keyboard layouts don’t work well for handheld gaming, so Plaza had to engineer a solution that would be both ergonomic and functional in the confines of a handheld console. The layout had to allow for easy navigation while maintaining a compact design that fit the ultra-wide form factor.
The custom circuit boards were another significant challenge. Not only did Plaza need to create a board that would interface with the keyboard and trackpad, but he also had to ensure that it would work seamlessly with the laptop motherboard. This involved plenty of soldering, wiring, and troubleshooting. At one point, data cables were accidentally torn off, requiring further repairs. This wasn’t a project for the faint of heart—every step demanded a high level of technical skill, patience, and perseverance.
Despite the numerous challenges, Plaza’s efforts culminated in a fully functional, albeit imperfect, device. The DS Deck is capable of running Windows or Linux, giving it the versatility to handle a variety of gaming and productivity tasks. It can run games, but with some limitations based on the screen’s aspect ratio and the lack of joystick-based input. Additionally, the device lacks a solid heat management solution, and there are safety concerns due to the custom nature of the build. Still, the fact that the DS Deck functions as intended is an impressive feat in itself.
A One-of-a-Kind Handheld Experience
In the end, the DS Deck is not just another handheld gaming console—it’s a statement of what’s possible when someone is willing to think outside the box and push the limits of technology. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and creativity that can emerge when people experiment with new ideas and challenge the norms of existing designs.
While the DS Deck isn’t likely to become a mainstream product—its custom nature and lack of heat management make it far from a polished commercial device—it still represents the spirit of DIY innovation. It serves as a proof of concept for those who want to build their own handheld devices, and it could inspire future projects that push the boundaries of what handheld consoles can be.
Plaza’s creation might not be for everyone, and it certainly won’t replace the traditional gaming handhelds that millions of people already use. However, for those who crave something truly unique and who have the technical know-how to tackle such a project, the DS Deck is a fascinating and inspirational creation. In a world where gaming is increasingly on-the-go, the DS Deck represents a bold experiment in rethinking how we interact with games and technology.
