British modder Bacteria really likes cartridges. The bigger the better. He turned an entire N64 console into a gigantic, beige cart, then took a slew of cheap plug ‘n play games and did the same — though smaller and minus the neutral tones. He dubbed that latest creation the Mini-Platform Plug’n'Play Console System, and promised that Game Boy Advance integration was coming soon. Two weeks later it’s here courtesy of a little solder and hot glue, opening up the massive library of Game Boy and Advance titles. Yeah, the system isn’t much to look at, and with an entire GBA hanging off the back it’s pushing the limits of the word “mini.” But, it is an intrepid hack and, like his others, he’s more than happy to tell you how he did it. Video of this meaty portable in action after the break.

Console modder “Bacteria” sure managed to turn a few heads with his previous multi-platform console mod, and he’s now done it again with his new so-called Mini-Platform Plug ‘n’ Play Console System, which boasts the same, uh, distinct look we’ve come to expect. At the moment, this one relies solely on a variety of TV plug ‘n’ play game systems for its gaming options, which Bacteria converted into a more convenient cart form, although he also promises to make a GBA add-on for the system “in due course.” As you can see in the video after the break, despite appearances, the system appears to work quite well, and you can even find step-by-step plans for building your own by hitting up the read link below.

Console modder Sam Thornley actually built this Pac-Man Mini handheld way back in 2007, but he only recently shared it with the members of Ben Heck’s forums, and we’re sure glad he did. There’s nothing too special at the heart of this one, just a Jakks Pacific Namco Arcade Classic system, but Sam hit all the right marks with the little details, from the red buttons that are just itching to be pressed to the old school flip switch to the bigger-than-it-has-to-be casing. If you think you’re up to the task of building your own, you can find all the details you need an plenty of pics to guide you on your way by hitting up the read link below.

[Via Technabob]

While Sony’s apparently yet to get official with it, the company has let slip a user guide and marketing materials for its hereto unheard of UX490N handheld, which thankfully provide plenty of details on the device. Like the most recent model introduced in Japan, this one packs a 1.2GHz Core 2 Solo U2200 processor, although it drops the SSD storage down to 48GB from 64GB. Otherwise, you can expect the usual 4.5-inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, along with 1GB of RAM, Intel GMA 950 graphics, and built-in support for AT&T’s EDGE network, among other densely-packed features. What’s more, it seems that Sony will also be offering the handheld in a VGN-UX490N/C model, which throws in a Bluetooth GPS receiver and an extended battery. No word on a price or release date just yet, but we’re guessing those details should be coming before too long.

[Thanks, benz145]

This one is purely in the realm of rumor, folks, but AppleInsider is now reporting the tantalizing detail that Apple is currently working on a multi-touch-based successor to its Newton handheld. As the story goes, Apple has actually had a “small team of engineers” working on the project for the past 18 months, during which time they were occasionally forced to put the project on hold in order to help get the iPhone out the door on time. Now, with the iPhone out of the way, AppleInsider says it’s “full steam ahead” on the “modern day Newton.” Delving even further into the rumor mill, AppleInsider says the device will about 1.5 times the size of the iPhone, and sport a 720×480 display that fills nearly the entire surface of the unit (no surprise there). What’s more, it seems that the device is intended to compete as much with UMPCs as with PDAs (something the original Newton’s already taken a shot at) and, if the rumors are to be believed, it could be released “sometime in the first half of 2008,” with a possible announcement as soon as MacWorld in January.

[Image courtesy of audiopollution/AppleInsider]