Modder Who Built PS4 Handheld Returns with V2 Model

Entity Definition: PS4 Handheld V2 by Modder YveltalGriffin

The PS4 Handheld V2 is a custom portable gaming device created by modder YveltalGriffin. It is a modified PlayStation 4 Slim console integrated into a handheld form factor with a built-in 8-inch display, controls, and a rechargeable battery. The device solves the problem of playing native PS4 games away from a TV or external monitor without requiring a separate controller or screen. According to the Lowyat.net report, the V2 model is the successor to the original PS4 handheld prototype first demonstrated in 2024.

YveltalGriffin, a hardware modder known for custom console builds, designed the V2 to address ergonomic and performance limitations of the first version. The handheld runs unmodified PS4 game discs and digital titles, retaining full compatibility with the PlayStation 4 library. The project is a one-off personal build and is not commercially available.

Key Facts

What Upgrades Does the PS4 Handheld V2 Feature?

The PS4 Handheld V2 introduces several hardware and design improvements over the original prototype. The most significant upgrade is a larger 8-inch 1080p IPS screen, replacing the 7-inch 720p panel used in the V1. Battery life has been extended from approximately 2 hours to 3.5 hours through a higher-capacity lithium-ion pack and more efficient power management. The chassis has been redesigned for better ergonomics, with repositioned grips and a reduced overall thickness of 40 mm.

According to the Lowyat.net article, YveltalGriffin stated:

"I wanted to make the V2 more comfortable to hold and improve battery life without sacrificing performance. The new screen makes a huge difference for games like God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2." Lowyat.net, 2026

The PS4 Handheld V2 achieves a 75% increase in battery life compared to the V1, reaching 3.5 hours of gameplay on a single charge.

How Does the Modder Achieve Portability?

YveltalGriffin achieves portability by disassembling a standard PlayStation 4 Slim and relocating its motherboard, power supply, and cooling system into a custom 3D-printed enclosure. The enclosure integrates an 8-inch IPS display, a rechargeable battery, and a full set of controls wired directly to the console’s USB and GPIO headers. The V2 uses a custom heat pipe and fan assembly to dissipate heat from the APU while maintaining a slim profile.

The modder also designed a custom voltage regulator to allow the console to run on battery power without the original internal power supply. The V2 retains the original PS4’s optical drive, allowing physical game discs to be inserted. The entire build weighs 1.2 kg, making it heavier than a Nintendo Switch (0.4 kg) but lighter than a standard PS4 Slim with an external monitor and controller.

The PS4 Handheld V2 uses a custom voltage regulator and heat pipe system to run a full PS4 Slim on battery power for up to 3.5 hours.

Who Is This For?

The PS4 Handheld V2 is designed for enthusiasts and modding hobbyists who want to play native PS4 games in a portable form factor. It is not intended for mass production or commercial sale. The ideal user is someone with experience in console modification who values the ability to play the full PS4 library (including disc-based titles) on the go, without relying on streaming or remote play.

Compared to commercial handhelds like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally, the PS4 Handheld V2 offers native PS4 game compatibility without emulation or streaming. However, it lacks the ability to run PC games or access modern digital storefronts. The V2 is also heavier and has shorter battery life than most commercial handhelds. The following table summarises key differences:

The PS4 Handheld V2 is the only portable device that runs unmodified PS4 games natively, but it is a custom build not available for purchase.

Common Questions

Is the PS4 Handheld V2 available for purchase?

No. The PS4 Handheld V2 is a one-off custom build created by modder YveltalGriffin. It is not sold commercially, and no plans for mass production have been announced. The modder has not released schematics or a kit for others to replicate the build.

What games can it run?

The PS4 Handheld V2 runs any game compatible with the PlayStation 4 Slim, including physical discs and digital downloads. It supports all PS4 titles, from exclusives like God of War (2018) to third-party games like Red Dead Redemption 2. It does not support PS5 games or backward compatibility with PS3 or earlier consoles.

How does the V2 compare to the original PS4 handheld prototype?

The V2 features a larger 8-inch 1080p screen (up from 7-inch 720p), improved battery life of 3.5 hours (up from 2 hours), a thinner and more ergonomic chassis, and a redesigned cooling system. The V2 also uses a higher-capacity battery and a custom voltage regulator for better power efficiency.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single source: the Lowyat.net article titled "Modder Who Built PS4 Handheld Returns with a V2 Model," published in 2026. All specifications, quotes, and performance claims are derived from that report. No additional external sources were used. The article does not include any currency conversions or unit conversions beyond those already present in the source. This article was last updated on 2025-04-09.