The Steam Deck has been a smash hit on the PC gaming scene, a minimum of as a lot for its low worth and portability as for its environment friendly Linux-based SteamOS. We’ve seen just a few tries at making an equal mini PC or gaming set-top field with the software program, however what for those who lower out the intermediary and simply shave each doable {hardware} component off the Steam Deck itself? Say good day to the “Steam Brick.”
A modder often known as crastinator–professional did simply that, outlining their course of on the Steam Brick GitHub web page (noticed by Hackaday). They eliminated just about every thing from the Steam Deck besides the first motherboard, cooling system, and battery, then shoved it right into a custom-made 3D-printed case. The result’s a tiny headless PC that measures 7.6 inches by 4.9 inches and weighs simply over a pound.
It may be performed on the go together with a wi-fi controller and transportable display screen (or with a set of AR glasses, just like the Xreal Air 2 Professional proven within the pictures). Alternatively, you may plug it right into a dock or an exterior monitor through USB-C and function it like an everyday Steam Deck in docked mode.
The modder totally admits that the construct isn’t precisely overflowing with utility. “I was so preoccupied with whether or not I could that I didn’t stop to think if I should,” they are saying, quoting a sure leather-bedecked chaotician. That stated, I’ve been questioning for over a yr if there’s a marketplace for low-cost, low-power options to a Steam Deck that may be tossed behind a TV and operated like a sport console.
The Steam Brick isn’t that machine, particularly. There’s nonetheless a battery inside, and naturally it’s a one-off design. (Although if you wish to make your personal, there’s greater than sufficient information out there to duplicate it.) However I ponder if corporations like Lenovo, Asus, and Acer aren’t looking at these sorts of initiatives, at Valve licensing out SteamOS for totally third-party {hardware}, and doing a little bit of math for future product growth.
