Over the years, I've seen a lot of homemade retro console-to-handheld conversions, but I don't think I've come across one quite as slapped together as this.

Notable video game console modder James Channel is behind the deconstructed PlayStation 2 that features a MadCatz controller, a built-in LCD screen, and, of course, a fully exposed flywheel disc drive that spins like a handheld buzz saw. Naturally, the retro handheld monstrosity is held together with what seems to be a full roll of duct tape, including even its display. I imagine this isn't great for thermals, though Channel says the handheld's "passive cooling" isn't that bad, even though it still gets kind of hot sometimes.

Of course, the spinning disc doesn't move fast enough to actually really hurt you, but it still looks more than a bit wild in action in Channel's video. Part of me wonders if it doubles as a fan and can keep you cool on hot days?

Say hello to the JameStation 2

The wacky handheld features surprisingly great battery life

The "JamesStation 2" feels sort of like a lazy antithesis to cleaner handheld conversions like the tiny GameCube I covered a few weeks ago. In a way, this makes it cool as far as I'm concerned. Other features include a 10,000 mAh power bank that powers the creation, allowing the handheld to run for an hour with 71 percent battery life still to spare, bringing its theoretical battery life to around five hours. Amusingly, this means the Frankenstein-like handheld has longer battery life than the Steam Deck and Switch 2.

Channel spends a notable portion of the video fixing the PS2's optical drive, a part that's famous for failing in the retro console. The process involves using a clone of Sony's internal calibration tools to modify the console's EEPROM data.

If you're into old-school gaming, the creation of the JameStation 2 makes for a pretty fascinating watch, especially since it uses the original PS2 Slim's motherboard (check it out above).