In an intriguing twist on gaming innovation, a group of inventive Chinese modders have transformed Sony’s PlayStation 5 into a portable device that mimics a laptop, albeit without a battery (Credit: VideoCardz). The creation, showcased on Weibo, goes by the name BBook AI and sports a massive 17.3-inch display. Its design might bring to mind the hefty gaming laptops of old, weighing in at more than nine pounds. Visually, though, it’s sure to grab your attention.
At the heart of the BBook AI Original Edition is a 3D-printed chassis that snugly fits the PS5’s internal components. The real attraction here is its display—an expansive 17.3-inch 4K IPS screen boasting full 100% DCI-P3 coverage. However, with a refresh rate capped at 60 Hz, avid gamers might find it a bit of a letdown.
Equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port on the side, the machine does allow for external monitor connections, although that somewhat defeats the purpose of its portable nature. There isn’t a battery onboard to keep it running untethered, so you’ll need to be near a power outlet to enjoy its full capabilities. Blame this on the PS5’s power consumption, which hovers around 200W during gameplay. Even with a 100Wh battery, you’d only squeeze out a negligible 30 minutes of playtime.
This custom rig is certainly unique in its stats: it’s powered by an eight-core CPU based on Zen 2 architecture, paired with 36 Compute Units inspired by RDNA 2, all backed by 16GB of unified GDDR6 memory and 825GB of PCIe 4.0 storage. The specs mirror a standard PS5. Yet, for the steep price of approximately $2,750 (19,999 Yuan), you’re paying substantially more than you would for an ordinary console. The keyboard that comes with it is still a bit of a mystery—whether it’s a membrane or mechanical setup hasn’t been disclosed.
Despite its claim of portability, the included adapter makes the BBook AI noticeably heavier than certain high-powered gaming laptops, like the RTX 4090-equipped Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 8, which graciously sports a 99Wh battery. You might find it more practical to invest in a PS5 and couple it with a portable monitor costing between $700 and $1,000, depending on your preference for display quality. Even though it might not be the most sensible purchase, the BBook AI stands out as a fascinating DIY project, offering insight into the lengths gaming enthusiasts will go to for innovation.
