A dedicated Reddit user has engineered an ingenious solution to bring a physical media feel to their digital Steam library, constructing a novel 'game cartridge' system using inexpensive, second-hand SATA SSDs. The project, shared on the PC Master Race subreddit, demonstrates a resourceful approach to game storage and access.
The core of this innovative setup involves loading games onto individual 2.5-inch SSDs, which are then housed in custom-made, colorful casings that display each game's cover art. When a loaded SSD is inserted into a specialized drive dock, an accompanying script automates the process of navigating Steam to the respective game's library page, leveraging Valve's Steam browser protocol. For added convenience, the system can also be configured to launch the game directly upon insertion.
This endeavor comes at a time when memory prices are experiencing significant fluctuations. The Redditor behind the project, known as Jibril-sama, explained in comments that they acquired a batch of 128GB SSDs for a mere €7 (approximately $8) each, attributing their success to sheer luck and finding a bulk seller, possibly from a refurbishment station. While the low cost of these SSDs made the project feasible for the creator, replicating such a system today would likely involve a substantially higher expenditure on the drive 'cartridges' themselves, potentially exceeding the cost of the games they hold.
The appeal of physical game media persists, even in an era dominated by digital distribution. This sentiment echoes broader discussions about digital ownership and the potential loss of physical media. Notably, Sony has announced plans to cease the production of physical game discs after 2028, a move that has prompted legal action from a Dutch consumer organization concerned about the future of the second-hand market and the control Sony would exert over game pricing and accessibility. As long as many PC games continue to rely on proprietary launchers and digital rights management, the question of true ownership of digital assets remains a pertinent concern for many players.