Modder Rebuilds Steam Deck to Use Connectable Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons
While the Steam Deck has gained widespread acclaim, it's important to note that the device may not be perfect for every conceivable use case. That's where the community steps in. Since its initial release, numerous custom modifications have been developed, some of which go beyond what most users would anticipate. Recently, an electrical engineering student has devised perhaps the most extreme hardware modification to date.
Valve has been quietly refining the hardware of the Steam Deck, but these changes are relatively subtle and do not alter the device's core features. Users, on the other hand, have demonstrated remarkable innovation. They have devised specialized mounting mechanisms, integrated the device with actual combat drones, and more.
One such student, known as mrblackm123 on Reddit, has completely overhauled the Steam Deck. In a recent video, they showcased a highly streamlined version of the Deck that no longer includes the original control buttons. Instead, mrblackm123 retrofitted the screen and motherboard into a third-party tablet chassis. Additionally, they added rails that accommodate the standard Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, effectively transforming the Linux PC into an oversized and incredibly powerful Nintendo handheld.
The community's response to this modification has been mixed. While some admire mrblackm123's engineering prowess, others believe that the Deck has been "massacred," with its unique collection of input devices replaced by Nintendo's notoriously unreliable Joy-Cons. While questions may arise about the functionality of this revamped Deck, mrblackm123's ingenuity is undeniably fascinating, and many are eagerly anticipating their next upgrade.
Following the release of a video showcasing the Ukrainian army using a Steam Deck to control their turrets in live combat, it has become evident that Valve has created an incredibly flexible and customizable device capable of handling a wide range of tasks, gaming-related or otherwise. Mrblackm123 is just one among many hardware modders who are enjoying experimenting with this Linux-based gaming handheld, and even more extreme customizations are likely to emerge in the future.
Asus is set to launch its mainstream gaming handheld in the near future, which might be perceived as a threat to Valve's Steam Deck due to its advanced features and enhanced power. Surprisingly, Valve congratulated the Steam Deck's competitor upon its official announcement, commending Asus for their efforts in expanding the handheld PC market into the mainstream. The future looks promising for portable gaming enthusiasts.