A YouTuber known as “Steven B”, has crafted the “FrameDeck,” a handheld gaming console, utilizing parts from a Framework laptop and 3D printed components. The project promotes circularity by repurposing existing hardware, reducing e-waste, and extending device lifespans.
The “First Open Source Framework Powered Handheld” project, available on GitHub, encourages user involvement through detailed documentation and instructions. Embracing the open-source ethos, it fosters community-driven development and customization.
In the domain of console gaming, where repairability is often obstructed by manufacturers, initiatives like the FrameDeck are challenging the status quo. Gaming consoles, notorious for being difficult to repair due to digital rights management, highlight the need for a right to repair. Despite lobbying efforts, many consoles remain exempt from repair laws, exacerbating the issue.
While some progress has been made, such as Steam Deck’s provision of repair resources, the broader trend in gaming consoles leans towards decreased repairability. Nintendo’s recent decision to discontinue repair services for certain models underscores this trend.
However, projects like the FrameDeck offer hope for a future where repair and upgradability are prioritized. With open-source software guarding against obsolescence, products like the FrameDeck propose an alternative path for the gaming industry and technology as a whole.
In a landscape where product lifespans are shrinking, initiatives like the FrameDeck advocate for sustainable practices and empower users to take control of their devices. By embracing openness and repairability, the FrameDeck offers a promising vision for the future of gaming technology.
If you’d like to attempt to build your own Framedeck, then take a look at the project’s Github page for more details.
Source: fighttorepair.substack.com
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