Handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go have become great platforms for modding projects. One modder has transformed his handheld into a supersized tribute to the Game Boy Advance SP (sort of).

Devices that come in a clamshell form factor have several advantages. The way they fold ensures the screen and buttons and kept protected when not in use, and keeps the size relatively small. Devices such as the Game Boy Advance SP and Nintendo DS were extremely popular and now have that coveted nostalgic appeal. It isn't much of a surprise to find that one modder has transformed his Lenovo Legion Go into a clamshell form factor.

Introducing the Lenovo Legion Clam

Streamer Bob Wulff explains on his video that he wanted something with a small laptop or netbook form factor, yet was capable of playing games and had a gamepad instead of a keyboard. Finding nothing on the market that met his requirements, he instead spent one and a half years tinkering with designs and prototypes until he eventually came up with what he calls the ‘Legion Go Clam'.

The controller was set up to be a leverless fight stick, suitable for fighting games such as Mortal Kombat 1 or Street Fighter 6. Or for something more retro, Marvel vs Capcom 2 or 3rd Strike. It’s also great for retro platformers and rhythm games. Leverless fight sticks have been becoming increasingly popular, especially in competitive spaces, and the keyboard-style directional keys offer excellent versatility across a wider range of games.

Bob Wulff has no plans to make money from his creation, so he has made the files available through an open-source license. The majority of additional parts are off-the-shelf. This includes items such as the Framework hinges, Tactile push button switches, WASD keycaps, and Kailh low-profile hot-swappable PCB sockets.

The case was 3D printed using PET-G filament to make it more hard-wearing. This mod can go alongside the growing number of examples, such as the Legion Go mini arcade (which is similar, but features a lever-style arcade stick) or the Legion Go custom keyboard case.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.