It’s a much simpler practice to discard an old smartphone after it develops a hardware issue or a defect that cannot be remedied by the manufacturer. Fortunately, not wanting to throw in the towel, a Pixel 8 owner shows how he managed to transform the device into a playable console because the handset began displaying a pink stripe that could not be fixed. This makeshift gaming dock not only sports multiple controllers to enable more players to engage, but the modder has also added a cooling fan to the Pixel 8 to keep the internals cool.
Not wanting to stick to an Android touch interface, the Pixel 8 owner installed ES-DE to make the DIY gaming console into a hub housing older ROMs
The Tensor G3 running in the Pixel 8 still has what it takes to hang around and deliver an enjoyable gaming experience, with Redditor ‘Prior_Explanation_52’ hooking up the smartphone to an external TV and several wired controllers to enable a decent multiplayer setup. Enabling multiple controller support was possible through a 4-port USB hub that also serves as a connection to a 50mm PC cooling fan.
As the majority of readers know, Google’s Tensor SoCs tend to heat up a lot, so this active cooling will enable the Pixel 8 to deliver a solid gaming experience without dropping framerates. Now, taking things in a different direction, the Redditor went ahead and installed ES-DE (EmulationStation Desktop Edition), which organizes all game ROMs and offers a clean user interface that can be navigated using the connected controller.
It appears that the individual had no intention of sticking with Android because its touchscreen controls would not make for a very enjoyable experience. Since Reddit can become a hub of infinite knowledge, commenters provided some useful pointers to Prior_Explanation_52 to elevate his experience. For instance, one person said that Google limits the performance of its devices, but that unlocking the Pixel 8’s true potential is possible through rooting and installing a custom ROM.
With the cooling fan in place, the Pixel 8 running at its maximum performance isn’t expected to face throttling issues thanks to the mod. Now, just imagine that if Google’s older smartphone can be used for this purpose, what feats can modern-day devices achieve?
News Source: Reddit
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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