The modding community never sleeps. We've seen it transform consoles into works of art, from Devyn Johnston’s sleek BoxPlates that reimagine the PS5's horizontal profile to Zac Builds’ incredible liquid-cooled “PS3 Pro” that breathes new life into classic hardware. Now, pushing the boundaries of miniaturization, a new project has emerged that re-engineers Sony's current-generation behemoth into something truly remarkable: a custom, tiny PS5 that you can actually build yourself.
The mastermind behind this feat is the YouTube channel Not From Concentrate (NFC), which has just unveiled the "Tiny PS5 Redux." This isn't just a one-off showpiece; it's a refined, community-focused version of a viral small-form-factor project, specifically designed for enthusiasts to replicate. As described by the creator, the Redux is “the refined, simplified version designed so that you can finally make it,” complete with a full step-by-step guide.
Design and Construction: From Bulky Console to Premium Compact Powerhouse
The original Tiny PS5 was a marvel in itself, shrinking the console's massive frame by a staggering 60 percent and cramming it into a 3.3-litre case. However, it came with compromises, including slightly higher operating temperatures and occasional power-supply instability.
The new 6-litre Redux rebuild directly addresses these weaknesses while significantly elevating the build quality. Gone is the makeshift look; in its place is a premium, mini-ITX-style enclosure. The core structure is an aluminium chassis with a wrap-around bezel, coated in a durable Cerakote for a sophisticated, matte industrial finish. This is complemented by dark-smoke acrylic side panels that offer a subtle glimpse into the meticulously organized internals.
Attention to detail is evident everywhere. The top plate features precision-cut openings for the USB ports and features spring-loaded power and eject buttons. For easy access, the entire top is secured magnetically. Even the lighting is thoughtfully integrated; the system LED is housed within a recessed, polished-aluminium "pocket handle" that doubles as a functional carry grip and a directional exhaust vent.
Watch the entire build process and see the Tiny PS5 Redux in action in the detailed video from Not From Concentrate above.
Cooling Performance: Engineering a Chillier, More Stable Experience
One of the most impressive achievements of the Tiny PS5 Redux is that it actually runs cooler than the stock console. How is this possible? The creator, Erick, retained the PS5's original heatsink plates but introduced a sophisticated custom cooling solution.
The heart of this system is an Alpenföhn Black Ridge CPU cooler, paired with two 120 mm slim Noctua fans in a push-pull configuration. To actively exhaust the heat, three additional 60 mm Noctua fans are positioned to vent directly through the pocket-handle exhaust.
The results, tested on Expedition 33, speak for themselves:
- Stock PS5: 230 – 235 W power draw, ~59 °C average
- Original Tiny PS5 (2023): 220 – 225 W, ~56 °C average
- Redux Version: < 220 W, ~50 °C average
This significant thermal improvement is credited to a completely redesigned intake system. Erick 3D-printed a new shroud with larger intake channels and added a neoprene gasket to prevent hot air from recirculating inside the case. This redesigned airflow not only dropped temperatures by around 6°C but also eliminated the frame drops caused by thermal throttling in the previous build.
Connectivity, Storage, and the Digital-Only Transition
A project of this scale requires clever solutions to unexpected problems. For instance, the aluminium enclosure naturally weakened wireless signals. The fix? The Wi-Fi antenna was relocated internally beneath the top acrylic panel, while foldable external Bluetooth antennas were added to the rear to eliminate lag and dropouts.
Storage has also received a massive upgrade. The earlier build was limited to short 2230 M.2 SSDs with a 2 TB cap. The Redux integrates an M.2 extension cable and a custom 3D-printed bracket, making room for a full-size 2280 SSD. The build showcase features a massive 4 TB drive with its own dedicated heatsink.
In a move that embraces the digital future, the physical optical drive has been removed for a cleaner layout. However, since the PS5 requires a detected drive to complete certain firmware updates, the creator kept the disc-drive's control board powered and connected inside the chassis. A custom mount secures the board behind the motherboard, tricking the console into thinking a drive is present and maintaining full update compatibility.
Power and The Community Build Project
The original Tiny PS5 had one nagging issue: random shutdowns during intense gaming sessions. Extensive testing proved it wasn't a thermal problem but a power delivery one. The 250 W GaN power supply simply couldn't handle the spikes from newer games drawing over 230 W. The solution was a straightforward upgrade to a more robust 500 W GaN unit, which completely resolved the instability.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Redux is its accessibility. This is designed as a community project. Design files for the PS5 model 1215A are available on NFC’s Patreon. Builders can order the precision aluminium parts from a service like SendCutSend, 3D-print the remaining components, and source the necessary mounting bracket for the Black Ridge cooler. It should be noted that the mod still requires careful assembly and some soldering skills, making it a project for dedicated and patient enthusiasts.
To complete the premium package, a redesigned controller charging dock complements the console's titanium-and-black theme, reusing NFC’s magnetic pogo-pin charging system on a weighted steel-plate base.
The Tiny PS5 Redux is more than just a smaller box; it's a testament to the innovation within the gaming community, proving that with skill and creativity, you can not only shrink a giant but actually improve upon it.
