Hallo! Welcome to the Github Repository for the 4DS.

4DS is a solo project by Astronuat21 (me!!) aiming to make a dual screen console akin to the Nintendo DS's but with stronger hardware, better battery life and specs in general. The device is also much larger than the ones you might have at home; coming in at around 19x11.5x3cm, the device is better suited for people with bigger hands who may find uncomfortability using even the stardard XL models. The hardware mostly tops the Switch, using the Lattepanda Mu SoC and it's N100 CPU, alongside 16GB of RAM and expandable Gen 3 SSD storage. If you so choose, this project should also be compatible with the upgraded N305 version (although it will be almost useless due to its higher PSU requirements).

This repository contains all the PCB files used in this project, including schematics and circuit boards. Assuming everything works, you should be able to reproduce the exact boards I used and reprint them for yourself. Also included are all the 3D files used in 3D printing or other purposes as well as some outdated -_- images to look at. They can be found in /3D Models and /Images respectively. You will also need some of the additional programs included for things like the RP2354 Microcontroller, alongside some other helpful scripts, which can be found in /Programs.

I built this to challenge myself to make a console that I would be proud to daily drive. My 2DS XL is great, but it definitely can't play my Steam library, and while I can fit a Switch in some pockets, it dosen't quite have the extensive game library (for what I actually play). Unlike the New (or not really) DS, which can play NES, SNES, GB/GBA, DS, and 3DS games as well as N64 and Gamecube to some extent. The Switch needs Nintendo Online for that as far as I know, and I HATE SUBSCRIPTIONS (Also its not even all the games). So thats where I've ended up now, with the great opportunity to flex superior intellect on some friends.

I may to make a sort of v2 version of this, there are quite a few fundemental issues with the design that cant really be fixed without starting over completely. I wouldn't really bother with that unless I find a way to make huge changes, like an insane side reduction, or adding a dGPU. I would probably make that a seperate repository, but it dosen't matter for now since I have other project ideas I want to do next.

If you intend to use this repository for any reason, PLEASE CREDIT ME!! I am happy to have others use this project as a reference or recreate what I have built, you can contact me with whatever you make, I would be honored. In the future, a full-ish guide will be provided so that you can build your own 4DS if you'd like, but hopefully the repository is clear enough that you can do it on your own.

DISCLAIMER: The 4DS and all its files is under the AGPL-3.0 license. I'm therefore technically allowing this repository to used for things like commercial purposes, but trust me, you really don't want to start using this repo just all on your own like that. My warning to you is that many decisions made here were done from extensive research and considerations from dozens of specifications and datasheets, some areas of this design are much more sensitive than expected, and some areas are not. I am happy to clarify certain things, but depending on what you hope to use this for, I may not give my time to help you if I do not support it. Dont expect me to help you out if your goal is to throw it with some AI Slop. I'm giving this warning not because you must consult me, but if you choose not to...

Find someone to wish you good luck. You're going to need it.