Frame Pad - a Framework 12 compatible handheld gaming device

Frame Pad - Modular Framework 12 Handheld

A 3D-printable, modular handheld gaming enclosure designed for the Framework 12 motherboard and battery.

Ever since the Framework team announced their 16" model with a dedicated GPU i wanted to build a handheld from it, to build the most powerfull handheld gaming console of the world. Though that hardware is way too expensive for me.

So i was very excited to see this design challenge. Model wise the thing is finished to a point that a first prototype could get assembled. I want to adress some things with further modifications, see TODOs. I've taken all considerations on space for extra electronics, tolerances and modularity for different appliances (e.g. different displays, different gamepad mcu). I'd really love to put a board with current gen. iGPU into it and see how it performs. I've printed the first 2 iterations of the shell to make sure everything fits but i don't own the hardware for it yet (display connector, ipad mini 2 display and universal battery connectors are ordered).

Design Goals

• Full Modularity: Easy to repair and modify without scrapping the whole case

  • Also if you want to use a different display, just alter one single module

• Print-Friendly: Optimized for easy printing with barely any supports needed

• Dual airflow: no matter if you play in bed or have it on your lab, it will draw fresh air and protect the battery from RAM & CPU heat

• Customizable: Modular fan grid for personal design touches

• Accessible: Uses widely available components (e.g., RP2040 & LP079QX1 [iPad Mini 2/3] Display)

Project Status & Disclosure

This project was created as part of a Design Challenge. Please note: I do not personally own the Framework 12 motherboard; the design is based on the official STEP files by the Framework team.

What do you need to build it yourself?

• 10x M3 threaded inserts

• 4x M3x20mm Screws (without the grips)

• 6x M3x5-6mm Screws

• 11x M2 threaded inserts

• 2x Nintendo Joy Con compatible analog joysticks

• 2x 5pin 2mm FPC breakout boards

• 14x 6*6*4.3mm tactile pushbuttons with SMD feet

• rp2040 zero or clone

• Solder equipment and experience

• Cables (for the battery should be at least 1mm² as there is up to 3A across 2 cables, the gamepad wires may be thinner)

• Universal laptop battery connectors with 2mm spacing and 8 pins (connect battery to motherboard)

• Breakout board for onboard USB (pogo connectors) and 30 pin 81465-100B-02-D display connector is still to be developed

• In order to use the ipad mini 2 LCD, you need the abusemark USB-C Breakout Board and the 7,9" adapter cable:

  • https://abusemark.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=53

  • https://abusemark.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=59

Roadmap

what's missing

• refine 3d printable pogo connector (motherboard needed)

  • they are designed in a way, that they clamp a 1mm solid core wire tight. At the top side you can solder onto it and the bottom side needs to be sanded flat to have a proper connection

Ideas in case anyone wants to pick up

• Custom 18650 battery pack with RP2040 smart battery driver (would replace bottom shell and interface layer and have a hull around 18650 cells for grips)

• Attachable grips for more comfort

• tiltable display or kickstand

Updates / Changelog

• V0.1 - initial upload

• V0.2 - all updates before design challenge ends

• V0.3 - updates after design challenge ends

26.09.2026 - V0.2

• made the power button and spacing in bottom shell larger

• fixed spacing of interface for the larger power button

• added Bottom shell with integrated support (0.2mm spacing from shell)

• Increased holes in left and right gamepad shells for assembled joysticks to go through

28.09.2026 - V0.2

• many new photos for documentation and actual print added

• new instruction style in english (just the beginning yet)

  • feel free to leave feedback on improvements

30.09.2026 - V0.2

• fixed many tolerances of controls and threaded insert holders for interface

• fixed orientation of gamepad shells

• step files (printables doesn't accept .plasticity files, will upload to github)

04.10.2026

• Both projects, the gamepad for of qmk and all the source files plus current state are up on github:

  • https://github.com/blendmaker/framepad

  • https://github.com/blendmaker/framepad-gamepad

• I am still trying to get my thoughts on all different elements together

  • there will be a compatibility list between 4 iterations:

    • 22cm width (ipad mini 1, 7", DS style shell or alike displays)

    • 25cm width (ipad mini 2 display with abusmarks breakout board and an expansion card)

    • with framework 50Wh stock battery

    • with 4 or 8 18650 cells and rp2040 SMB

• to fit the screen without being struck by screws, the whole thing gained roughly 7mm in height, totalling 51mm. Not happy with that. I'll upload the most recent V0.3 files to printables and github as soon as the shoulder buttons are reworked. Fixed printability of the Top-shell, interface interlock though
  

  

05.10.2026 - V0.3

Finally i finished the all new top pieces for gamepad and display holder! Also Top cover and interface got updates and the overall radius at the bottom edges have widened alot. So V0.2 and V0.3 are completely incompatible with each other. Changes in detail:

• Changed front edge radius to have it not pinpoint in the hands

• changed the interlock/self alignment between top shell and interface sheet, it is much easier to print now

• complete rework of top attachment pieces

  • larger shoulder buttons

  • much higher display position as screws would interfere with the large ipad mini display

  • fixed some geometry issues with the gamepad shells -> unfortunately they will need supports now

08.10.2026

• fixed missing spaces for wiring of shoulder buttons

• increased space for wiring between electronics holder and gamepad shells

• increased tolerances for electronics holders, they fit now better into the shells and accept less accurate joy con compatible joystics from 3rd party manufacturer

• removed V0.1 and V0.2 files from printables, they are still accessible through github though. I was closing in on 100 files which is confusing

• added print profile for gamepad shells + electronics holder + shoulder buttons as those now need supports

Appendix

Pretty much everything, anyone would need to build it is done. Though it took me way too long to realise the distinction between being awarded and being honorably mentioned. In short, i've won nothing but a wet handhsake and a middle finger to my face. I can't afford a framework motherboard myself and i am stuck now with LCD, adapter breakout, battery, expansion card, 1kg of waste plastic and a devastated ego. For all the time i've put into this and the shit i've gotten on social media, the result is even worse. I have no way to tell if the power button works or if i can run everything off the pogo connectors. The Gamepad files will propably become a thing themselve in the future. At this point i can't progress any further without the actual hardware.