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The Steam Deck is already one of the most versatile portable consoles, but one modder decided to take it a step further. His project, called SteamBoy, turns Valve’s device into a much smaller console inspired by the classic Game Boy. Inside, most of the original Steam Deck components remain, but they’ve been arranged in a completely new layout. The biggest challenge proved to be fitting a suitable display and designing effective cooling in a much smaller case. The project isn’t finished yet, but it already shows how far you can go in modifying the popular handheld.
SteamBoy combines the Steam Deck with the classic Game Boy
Modder known on Reddit as PhyFawkes decided to build a device that merges the capabilities of the Steam Deck with a compact design reminiscent of classic Nintendo consoles. That’s how SteamBoy was born, using the Steam Deck's LCD mainboard, additional control PCBs, controllers and the original battery. All these elements were arranged in a special vertical layout resembling an electronic sandwich, which significantly reduced the overall size of the build. The modder also kept the standard ABXY buttons familiar from the Steam Deck, but the design features only a single touchpad and one analog stick. That approach made the form much more compact, though of course it required many compromises. One of the biggest problems turned out to be the screen, because the standard Steam Deck panel did not fit the new housing. For that reason the project author decided to use a 1200 × 1080-pixel AMOLED panel that was originally designed for VR headsets. The display itself is still a work in progress, however, and the device is not yet ready for regular use. Interestingly, SteamBoy currently only works when connected to an external display, because the specially prepared controller for the new panel has not been completed. That means the modder still has a lot of work ahead, but the core elements of the project are already functional. If the display can be brought to full working order, SteamBoy could become a truly unconventional alternative to the standard Steam Deck.
The miniature design forced changes to the cooling system
Scaling the Steam Deck down to dimensions much closer to a classic handheld also meant the cooling system had to be completely rethought. The original Valve console has far more room for a fan and heat-dissipation components, which couldn’t be preserved in such a small build. The modder therefore used a 30 mm fan purchased on AliExpress and designed a custom 3D-printed bracket for it. Another part is a small copper heatsink, which also had to be adapted to the very limited space inside the SteamBoy. Such a small cooling solution, however, comes at a cost, because its heat-dissipation capacity is significantly lower than in a standard Steam Deck. To maintain proper temperatures and performance, the modder must use undervolting of the CPU and GPU by 50 mV. That means lowering the supply voltage to the components, which can reduce power draw and the amount of heat generated. This is especially important in such a small enclosure, where a few degrees Celsius can make a big difference. The whole build therefore required not only mechanically relocating components but also creating many custom electronic and mechanical parts. The modder still needs to finish, among other things, the display controller board before the SteamBoy can operate as a standalone console. If the project is completed, it will be one of the more interesting examples of how much you can change a device’s form factor without sacrificing its original electronics.
SteamBoy is one of those projects that shows the Steam Deck can be a much more flexible platform than it might seem. The modder kept the original console’s key components but completely changed their layout and the device’s form factor. Inspired by the Game Boy, it resulted in a handheld with a very unusual look that is much smaller than a standard Steam Deck. The biggest challenges now are the screen, cooling, and properly driving the new AMOLED panel. The project isn’t finished yet, but its current state shows the idea is entirely feasible. If the modder refines all the elements, SteamBoy could become a truly unique device for handheld fans.
source: techpowerup
