In the vibrant world of custom tech builds, creators often prioritize the audacious question of “if they could” over “if they should.” Here at Digital Tech Explorer, we love showcasing such innovative spirit. A prime example is a new homebrew ultrawide handheld, a marvel of ingenuity that practically invites backseat gaming. Crafted by BiliBili user PureDIY, this unique device boasts an improbable 32:9 aspect ratio. In a recent video, the creator demonstrates the handheld, noting that playing racing games is “very exciting.” To illustrate its massive size, the creator shared images showing the handheld is longer than both their car’s rearview mirror and their own forearm.
This isn’t PureDIY’s first foray into custom handhelds; they’ve previously crafted several charming ‘WinMini’ devices. It’s no surprise, then, that this latest ultrawide creation also runs on Windows. Featuring detachable controllers and a responsive touch screen, it stands as a truly captivating DIY project, pushing the limits of what we imagine for portable gaming.
Specifications and Practicality Concerns
Underpinning this impressive project is the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, the very same powerful chip found in commercial devices like the MSI Claw A8 and the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds. However, as fascinating as this custom build is, the prospect of ultrawide handhelds becoming a mainstream reality seems highly unlikely. The practicality concerns are significant, starting with storage. Imagining a custom protective carrying case for such an elongated device reveals the prohibitive costs, not to mention the sheer challenge of fitting it into any reasonably sized backpack.
While mainstream tech manufacturers have largely shied away from such extreme wide designs for handhelds, some have indeed experimented with unconventional screen formats. Lenovo, for instance, has a track record of showcasing ambitious concepts, such as its leaked Project Pivo, which features a screen that can pivot between landscape and portrait orientations. This innovative concept may never see the light of day for consumers, but the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 with its rollable OLED screen did make it to market. However, with a steep price tag of $3,499, its consumer reception was notably lukewarm.
For tech enthusiasts and gamers eager to truly embrace an ultrawide aspect ratio, the most practical and reliable option remains connecting one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors to a robust desktop PC. Even so, with the recent confirmation that the highly anticipated game Silksong will feature ultrawide support, the sheer thought of experiencing Team Cherry’s latest creation on PureDIY’s wonderfully unique homebrew handheld is undeniably captivating, a true testament to the endless possibilities of DIY tech.