D-Pad
D-Pad is a handheld gaming PC built around the Framework Laptop 13 motherboard, battery, and speakers, housed in a 3D-printed case with custom electronics. Created by community member Darrel Hunt (blt3dp) and announced on the Framework Community in April 2026, the project aims to deliver a "fully customizable, fully upgradeable, and fully repairable handheld gaming PC" using off-the-shelf Framework components12.
Framework CEO Nrp (Nirav Patel) responded to the project thread, calling it a "very clean gaming handheld" and praising the work1. The project includes complete documentation, PCB designs, and code published on GitHub, along with a YouTube build video walking through the assembly process23.
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mainboard | Any Framework Laptop 13 motherboard2 |
| Battery | Framework 13 battery (repurposed)2 |
| Display | 8.9" IPS touchscreen2 |
| Speakers | Framework 13 speakers, front-facing2 |
| Controllers | Joycon docking/charging (Nintendo Switch-style)2 |
| Expansion | Framework Expansion Card compatibility (slots on top-back)2 |
| Docking | Docking station connector (bottom)1 |
| Buttons | Power and volume buttons2 |
| Kickstand | Built-in kickstand for tabletop use2 |
| Add-ons | Threaded inserts on top and bottom for attachments1 |
| Controller chip | RP2040 (inside, for macro pad / additional buttons)1 |
Design
The D-Pad repurposes Framework 13 components — motherboard, battery, and speakers — into a handheld gaming form factor. The case is 3D-printed and houses additional electronics including an RP2040 microcontroller that can be used for custom macro pad functionality via a passthrough slot on the top of the device1.
Two Framework Expansion Card slots are exposed on the top-back of the device, allowing users to add expansion cards such as USB-A, USB-C, storage, or even macro pads. Community member XenoCow suggested using these slots for macro pads to increase the number of buttons for games requiring more inputs1.
The creator noted plans for additional attachment points, including a potential clamshell-style second screen that could be bolted to the top using the threaded inserts, and a bottom docking port that could be repurposed for other attachments1.
Operating System
The D-Pad runs Bazzite (a Fedora-based gaming Linux distribution), which the creator reported runs smoother than Windows on the device1.
Build Process
The complete build process is documented in a YouTube video on the project's GitHub repository. The creator recommends watching the video in full at least once before attempting assembly23.
Related Projects
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| FrameDeck | Another Framework 13 mainboard-based handheld gaming PC with 7" touchscreen |
| Framework Cyberdeck | Slab-style portable PC from Framework 13 parts |
| Framework Tablet | 3D-printable tablet case for Framework mainboard |
| Mattbook | UMPC built around Framework 13 mainboard |
Technical Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Creator | Darrel Hunt (blt3dp) |
| Repository | blt3dp/D-Pad |
| License | Not specified |
| Language | Python |
| Stars | 4 |
| Created | March 2026 |
| Community thread | April 27, 20261 |
| Build video | YouTube3 |