Custom PS2 Portable Handheld Built With Reverse-Engineered Motherboard

A custom portable PlayStation 2 handheld has been built using a reverse-engineered motherboard. The device, created by a developer known as Tschicki, is not an official Sony product. It is an open-source project available on GitHub.

Custom motherboard reuses only six ICs

The portable PS2 uses a custom reverse-engineered mainboard that reuses only six integrated circuits from original PS2 models. A Trion T20 FPGA handles digital video output, while an RP2040 microcontroller manages power and emulates a DualShock 2 controller. The handheld runs on two 21700 batteries, providing about 4.5 hours of playtime, and charges over USB-C with an undervolting configuration. It features PS Vita-inspired face buttons and Hall-effect analog sticks.

Specifications

• FPGA: Trion T20
• Microcontroller: RP2040
• Battery: Two 21700 cells, ~4.5 hours
• Charging: USB-C with undervolting
• Controller: PS Vita-inspired face buttons, Hall-effect analog sticks

Tschicki described the project as containing "the world's first custom reverse-engineered mainboard not made by Sony." The creator also warned that building one is not recommended, even for experienced hobbyists. The project's design files and software are available on GitHub for those interested in the technical details.

The portable PS2 is a DIY project rather than a commercial product. It demonstrates the feasibility of creating a custom handheld console through reverse engineering and FPGA-based video processing. Tschicki has not announced any plans for mass production or commercial availability.