Device modifications are a trend that never stops among technological enthusiasts. We have always been able to follow all kinds of combinations that their users are the most encouraged to their devices. Sometimes, adding functionality, and sometimes … subtracting them.
This time we are dealing with the second path. Steam Brick is a modification that will probably arouse a lot of extreme emotions. What is it about? For an extremely minimalist edition of the most popular “portable PC”, the iconic Steam Deck!
Steam Brick, or Steam Deck without key components
Steam Brick is an extremely crazy modification of Steam Deck, created by the user hidden under the pseudonym Crastinator-PRO. As he describes his project, he is: without a screen, no controller and no sense – it’s just a power button and a USB port. And looking at his work: it’s hard to disagree with him. However, it is difficult for him to refuse momentum and … functionality. Because Steam Brick is a equipment that may not be able to take on a journey (and certainly not without AR goggles), but the equipment retains the full functionality of Steam Deck. I only need an additional screen and controller.
For the creator of the project, the traditional Steam Deck turned out to be too big and bulky. It took its toll, especially when traveling. As he claims: he often gave up taking the device because he took too much space in his backpack. Steam Brick is to be a response to these problems – more compact, lighter and additionally resistant to damage. The author used Steam Deck’s repair guides made available by iFixit to dismantle the device into the first parts. At that time, he discovered that Valve equipment works even without a screen, battery or standard controllers set. Ultimately, the modification boiled down to leaving only the motherboard and the fan.
However, leaving the components themselves may have been compact, but it is not handy in the context of any journey. That is why he designed the original housing, which he printed using a 3D printer. In the interior, apart from the motherboard, there was a frame and a fan, resulting in a small structure that was about 1/3 smaller and nearly 1/4 lighter than the original Steam Deck.
Steam Brick in practice
Steam Brick works like … a small computer for games, simply. The equipment can be easily connected to the docking station, which provides power and connectivity with the monitor or VR/AR set. The device is to be durable and do not require additional protection during transport. However, it is worth keeping in mind the restrictions that the author informs about, of which the most can be given to: lack of access to the BIOS and no power indicator.
Less is more? Well, yes, but …
The Steam Brick project is quite controversial primarily because … in fact completely changes the nature of the equipment. And although for the author of this unusual modification deprivation of a steam deck screen, battery and controller (i.e. de facto: full functionality) is a plus, I think that for the lion of users such changes are simply in the world unacceptable. Because the equipment loses its character and the greatest advantages. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that this is one of the modifications that is impressive!
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