Sony’s PlayStation 5 is now portable, thanks to an innovative design by Chinese modders. Displayed on Weibo, this transformation resembles an old-school laptop minus the battery. Dubbed the BBook AI, it boasts a striking 17.3-inch display and a robust build that’s sure to draw attention. Although it tips the scales at over 9 pounds, its unique appearance is worth a second glance.
The BBook AI Original Edition essentially crams the guts of a PS5 into a meticulously 3D-printed case. The true standout feature here is a generously-sized screen—a 17.3-inch 4K IPS panel offering full 100% DCI-P3 coverage. Unfortunately, its refresh rate maxes out at 60Hz, which may leave gamers wanting more.
On the side, an added HDMI 2.1 port allows for an external monitor connection, but that somewhat dilutes the portability promise. You’ll need to keep it plugged into an AC outlet, as it lacks a built-in battery. Given the PS5’s power demands—about 200W during gaming sessions—a typical battery wouldn’t last more than half an hour anyway.
In terms of specs, this creation hosts an 8-core CPU built on Zen 2, coupled with a GPU sporting 36 Compute Units based on RDNA 2. There’s 16GB of integrated GDDR6 memory and 825GB of PCIe 4.0 storage on board. Its substantial dimension measures 31.3mm thick and weighs around 4.3 kg, with the power adapter adding an extra half kilogram. Priced at 19,999 Yuan, or roughly $2,750, it doesn’t come cheap.
A 10 Gbps USB Type-A port on the side ensures some connectivity options. However, the report notes that the BBook AI isn’t exactly discreet—it’s quite noisy at around 71.3 dB, comparable to the revs of a sports car engine. And let’s not forget, it impressively runs the PlayStation 5 operating system, making it the first PC to play titles like Astro’s Playroom.
While maintaining its PS5 specs, the BBook AI packs performance punch with its eight-core Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU. But for a price seven times that of a regular PS5, you might start to question practicality, especially when it includes a keyboard—though the type remains unconfirmed.
While the BBook AI is an interesting escapade into portability, its hefty combined weight with the adapter makes it double that of a Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 8 powered by an RTX 4090, which features a 99Wh battery. For those eyeing a cost-effective alternative, pairing a portable monitor with a PS5 might set you back no more than $1,000 to $1,700. Even so, consider the BBook AI a fascinating, albeit impracticable, DIY project worth appreciating for its uniqueness.
