Slimmed-Down Steam Deck: The Steam Brick
Gaming handhelds are trending larger, but some enthusiasts are pushing the boundaries to make them more portable. Case in point: the Steam Brick, a DIY creation by crastinator-pro that strips down the Steam Deck to its bare essentials.
The Inspiration
Crastinator-pro found the regular Steam Deck to be too bulky for their frequent travel. It couldn't fit in their backpack, took up too much carry-on space, and was inconvenient to retrieve from overhead compartments.
The Build
The Steam Brick removes the built-in controller, screen, power button, volume buttons, and headphone jack. The remaining components include the motherboard, battery, Wi-Fi antenna, storage, USB-C port, and cooling fan. The internal aluminum frame is trimmed down and housed in a simple 3D-printed enclosure.
The Advantages
The result is a significantly smaller and lighter device that can be easily carried in a backpack or slipped into a pocket. Crastinator-pro primarily uses the Steam Brick with an external controller and AR glasses, projecting a large screen into their field of view.
The Limitations
The Steam Brick is a niche use case and not without its risks. Crastinator-pro warns that removing the built-in controls and screen may shorten the device's lifespan or cause unforeseen failures. Additionally, the newer Steam Deck OLED model is preferred for this mod due to its superior screen.
The Conclusion
While it may seem absurd to remove the core features of a portable gaming device, the Steam Brick is a testament to the ingenuity of the modding community. It offers a unique solution for enthusiasts looking to maximize portability while still enjoying the full capabilities of the Steam Deck.