Framework Mainboard-based DIY gaming handheld showcased with detachable controllers

Pitstoptech has showcased a prototype gaming handheld based around the Framework Mainboard, a swappable motherboard designed for Framework laptops. In short, Framework sells the Mainboard for any use case, with third parties having created enclosures to use a Mainboard as a functional mini-PC. Incidentally, Framework recently heavily discounted its first run of Mainboards, which we have covered separately.

According to Pitstoptech, its custom chassis houses the Mainboard itself, along with a 7-inch and 1080p display, a 55 Wh battery and a pair of stereo speakers. Additionally, the prototype is compatible with detachable Bluetooth controllers, mimicking the Nintendo Switch, ONEXPLAYER 2 series and the Lenovo Legion Go. Presumably, Pitstoptech's prototype is about as heavy as the latter too, with Framework's 55 Wh battery breaching 200 g itself. Supposedly, Pitstoptech hopes to eventually sell DIY kits for those who want to build a gaming handheld rather than buy a pre-made one.

Arguably, Framework's current Intel-based Mainboards are ill-suited for gaming. Although Intel's CPU cores are powerful enough, its Xe series iGPUs are a few generations old at this point. The impending arrival of AMD Ryzen 7040U series Mainboards would rectify this shortcoming, although they could cost as much as something like the ASUS ROG Ally before factoring in Pitstoptech's DIY kit. Unfortunately, Pitstoptech has not shared release details yet, nor a rough estimation of how much one would cost.

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