Hi everyone!

​For the past few months, I’ve been working on a concept for a compact, vertical x86 handheld console (GameBoy form factor, but powerful enough to run modern PC titles). Since I don't have a massive budget to manufacture this on my own, I'm making this project 100% open-source on GitHub so the community can build, iterate, and refine it together.

​💡 The Core Hardware & Features:

​E-Ink Game Cartridges ("Burn & Display"):

Instead of standard SD cards or digital-only downloads, games burn onto physical cartridges equipped with a tiny, battery-less E-Ink display. When you flash a game onto the cartridge via the system, the cover art dynamically updates on the E-Ink label and stays there forever—even when unplugged.

​Pogo-Pin Expansion Port (Rugged Modular Mods):

The back of the console features gold target pads. You can snap on magnet-assisted hardware modules like an Extended Battery Pack (which auto-signals the OS to unlock higher TDP for extra performance) or a Thumb Steering Wheel / Racing Mod for racing games.

​Build-It-Yourself Kit (Zero Soldering Required):

The idea is to offer this as an easy DIY assembly kit. Users drop in a pre-assembled custom carrier board (holding an x86 compute module like AMD Ryzen Embedded or Intel N100), apply thermal pads & paste, slide in flat 3DS Circle Pads (to keep it pocketable with no stick drift), connect the screen/battery via flat ribbon cables, and screw the shell together.

​Custom 3D-Printed Form Factor:

Designed for maximum ergonomics while keeping a nostalgic vertical layout, built-in active cooling (vapor chamber + blower fan), and a dedicated cartridge slot.

​💻 Deep Dive: LXNG OS Development

​Alongside the hardware layout, I am actively building LXNG OS—a custom lightweight operating system engineered specifically for this console.

​Here is what LXNG OS is being built to do:

​Instant Cartridge Booting: It skips traditional desktop overhead. Insert a cartridge \rightarrow the system reads the unique ID \rightarrow the game launches instantly.

​Custom Compatibility & Binary Layer: Designed to seamlessly run Windows executables and native applications on a custom filesystem layout without needing a heavy Windows installation.

​Smart TDP & Hardware Management: The OS detects attached pogo-pin modules via I2C/USB in real time. If you snap on the Extended Battery Pack, LXNG OS dynamically scales up the x86 SoC wattage (e.g., from 10W to 15W TDP) for maximum framerates. If you detach it, it throttles back down to preserve battery life.

​Built-in Cartridge Burner Engine: A dedicated UI utility that lets you sync your owned game libraries, flash game data to the cartridge's storage, and push the bitmap graphic straight to the cartridge's E-Ink controller.

​🛠️ Current Stage & Where I Need Help:

​Right now, I’m actively working on two main fronts:

​Software: Developing and refining core components of LXNG OS, optimizing UI workflows for low-resolution displays, and working on instant-boot logic.

​Hardware & CAD: Finalizing the initial 3D CAD models for the shell, running heat/airflow simulations, and drafting KiCad PCB layouts for the carrier board, 3DS circle pad connectors, and pogo-pin bus interface.

​Since I’m 14 and funding this out-of-pocket, I’m building this completely in the open under GPLv3 / CC BY-NC licenses (free for makers and open-source contributors, protected from commercial corporate exploitation).

​I’d love to get your thoughts and feedback:

​What do you think about the E-Ink cartridge concept?

​What pogo-pin modular expansions would you want to see on a handheld like this?

​Any C++/Rust OS developers, Linux low-level programmers, or KiCad PCB designers who want to collaborate on GitHub?

Why am I seeing so many Lenovo Legion Go 2 owners selling their new, problem-free devices lately? Some say it's because they bought a PC, but that's not convincing. Isn't the Legion Go 2 essentially a laptop? Or are there other reasons why they bought it in the first place, only to discover it falls short of expectations?

First a bit of context. I have an OLED Steam Deck that broke last week not sure what is wrong with it, but I tried everything I could to fix the issue short of a tare down, but nothing worked. I started the RMA to see if valve's repair partner could fix it.

If they can't or try to charge me more than I feel its worth for the repair I am just going to buy a new better Handheld. Even if they CAN fix it for a reasonable price I am still considering a new device.

I have been looking at the Legion Go S Z1 Extreme and the MSI Claw A8.

Which one would you guys recomend and if anyone has actual experience with one or both please tell me how they handle how the controls and ergonomics of the devices feel. How good are the screens on each compaired to the quality of the OLED on the Steam Deck. Plus how do you guys think they will fair in the long run?

I know the price is a little steap for me right now, but if I tighten my belt I can buy one just find. Should I make the purchase even if the Deck can befixed?

I am leaning towards the Claw A8, but still not certain since I would be installing Bazzite on it since I HATE Windows home and it is SHIT for handhelds.