Modder turns iPhone 4s into PlayStation-capable emulator handheld
The modded iPhone 4S (left) alongside a GKD Pixel 2 (right). (Image source: u/Retr0ddicted via r/SBCGaming)
An iPhone 4s was modded into a retro handheld - it uses an iOS 6.1.3 downgrade and jailbreak to run RetroArch emulators. Physical PS Vita buttons & a Bluetooth keyboard PCB provide tactile controls in a laser-engraved Kirby-themed metal case.
A new post on r/SBCGaming showcases a pretty neat custom project that re-purposes an iPhone 4s as a handheld retro gaming system using a combination of jailbreak, emulation, and custom hardware. The iPhone 4s, which is nearly 14 years old at this point, was selected for its compactness, build, and display quality. The phone is downgraded to iOS 6.1.3 and jailbroken to run RetroArch - an emulator frontend supporting platforms up to the Sony PlayStation. This was done for improved performance compared to later iOS versions on the aging Apple hardware.
The build features a custom metal case finished with laser-engraved Kirby artwork, PS Vita-style tactile physical controls, and a Bluetooth keyboard PCB to interface the buttons. PS Vita controls were specifically chosen for more precise input, addressing issues often reported with basic tactile switches. The Bluetooth PCB makes integration simple without requiring invasive electronics work on the iPhone itself, though some input latency is expected compared to a direct-wired solution.
(Image source: u/Retr0ddicted via r/SBCGaming)
The internal mod is visible in teardown photos (above), which reveals the additional battery wiring and Bluetooth logic needed for physical button support. The user shares that, while this iPhone-based unit is best viewed as a collectible and isn’t as performant or user-friendly as purpose-built handhelds like the Miyoo Mini family, it is still a unique and functional way to run retro games. Other pictured devices in the post are a custom Kirby GKD Pixel 2 (curr. $89.99 on Amazon), a compact "hot dog" form-factor handheld, and a Pikachu-themed Sugarcube Jelly Star 2s.
This kind of iPhone conversion is relatively rare due to the technical demands of jailbreaking and disassembling proprietary hardware, especially compared with modding open-platform devices or dedicated retro handhelds.
Anubhav Sharma - Tech Writer - 1178 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
Fueled by a childhood spent taking apart video game consoles to see how they worked, I turned my passion for tech into writing. I have a double Bachelor's in Computer Science Engineering (2018) and English (2024). I've been writing on a variety of tech topics since 2016, with a particular interest in gaming. When I'm not hunting down the latest tech news, you'll find me producing music, gaming, or hiking.
