The Framework project is one of our favorites in the hardware world. Besides selling laptops that we can easily upgrade and repair, the flexibility of its hardware has given rise to multiple DIY designs, among which tablets, Cyberdecks, and even AIO systems stand out. What's next on the list? None other than a video game console: YouTuber TommyB recently acquired a Framework motherboard, and decided to share the entire construction process, including the gamepad.
A quick visit to the official Framework portal confirms that its motherboards average $300, with some occasional deals dropping to $200. I must admit they aren't exactly affordable, but their form factor is too convenient to ignore, especially when the plan is to develop a DIY system.
And that's what brings us here today. YouTuber TommyB has had previous experiences with “homemade” portable consoles, but this time he decided to build one using Framework hardware as a base. Add to that his desire to create the integrated gamepad from scratch, instead of buying ready-to-use controllers and attaching them to the shell.
Building a portable console with Framework hardware
Designing the gamepad is no simple task, but TommyB can take advantage of the development of other projects like GP2040-CE, a firmware for the Raspberry Pi Pico, or any controller that uses the RP2040 chip. When connected to a computer, the firmware reports itself as an Xbox 360 gamepad, ensuring compatibility. Another interesting aspect of the design is that TommyB chose analog joysticks with Hall effect and a series of low-profile mechanical switches made by Gateron.
The LCD screen is an 8-inch Waveshare, larger than what we find in systems like the Steam Deck or the Nintendo Switch. Besides being a good choice in general, the screen fits better in the project because the shell (following the size of the Framework board) is not exactly small.
TommyB presents his progress in a much rawer and more direct way. Instead of quickly moving to the finished console as other channels do, his first video shows us all the difficulties and limitations he has encountered. First, the Hall effect joysticks he received don't work. Then he discovered some tolerance errors, but those can be corrected later.
Finally, the PLA shell won't serve in the long run (its transition temperature is only 60 degrees), and he will need to create a replica with ABS plastic. On the other hand, the mechanical switches are a great success, and he also uses official Framework components like the battery and the speakers.
The next videos will focus on benchmarks, and the actual construction tutorial.
(Note from the editor: I apologize for the delay, we are a bit flooded and without electricity in the area, but everything is slowly normalizing)
Source: TommyB on YouTube
