One Steam Deck owner has taken extreme measures to prevent family members from using his handheld gaming PC without permission, constructing a makeshift security system that includes a taser and a spiky case. The elaborate setup was detailed by Reddit user ConroyyJenkinss on the Steam Deck subreddit.
Frustrated by family members draining the device's battery and not recharging it, ConroyyJenkinss resorted to a novel, albeit unconventional, solution. He designed and 3D printed a case with integrated spikes using Blender, which attaches to the side of the Steam Deck and makes it uncomfortable to hold. This physical deterrent is intended to discourage casual use.
Beyond the spiky case, a more active security measure was implemented. A Raspberry Pi was integrated with an object detection camera and a Python script. When the camera detects motion, it triggers a sequence: first, a "goofy audio clip" plays from a speaker, followed by the activation of a taser mounted on top of the Steam Deck after a few seconds. The taser itself, positioned above the device, is not designed to make direct contact but rather to startle or deter potential users.
ConroyyJenkinss explained that the motivation behind this elaborate setup was to force family members to ask for permission before using the Steam Deck, thereby minimizing the risk of them touching it at all. He acknowledged that a password would have been a simpler solution but felt it did not offer the same level of deterrence.
The creator described the project as "easily the dumbest thing I've ever built," but noted that it has been effective in preventing unauthorized use. The setup has been described by one Reddit commenter as "hostile architecture for gadgets."