A dedicated modder has successfully transplanted the internals of a Valve Steam Deck into a custom-designed, Game Boy-inspired chassis, creating what they call the "Steam Boy." The project, spearheaded by Reddit user PhyFawkes, aims to replicate the portability of Nintendo's iconic handheld while housing the more powerful components of a modern gaming PC.
The Steam Boy's shell is constructed from 3D-printed PETG plastic. This new enclosure manages to fit the Steam Deck's motherboard, including its APU heatsink and fans, as well as the original battery. PhyFawkes also incorporated the Deck's internal speakers and audio board, necessitating creative routing of ribbon cables to fit everything within the smaller footprint.
This compact design significantly reduces the device's size compared to the original Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck is known for its substantial dimensions, the Steam Boy's footprint is less than half that of Valve's offering. However, the internal stacking of components makes the custom build considerably thicker, resembling a more traditional handheld console.
Controls on the Steam Boy have been adapted to fit the smaller form factor. The current iteration features a D-pad, four face buttons, two system buttons, a single thumbstick, and a touchpad. The creator also plans to integrate triggers, with at least one intended to be accessible on the exterior.
One key component still under development is the display. PhyFawkes intends to use a 1200 x 1080 resolution, 90 Hz OLED panel, characteristic of a Game Boy's traditional screen orientation. Connecting this display will require an adapter board between the motherboard's output and the screen itself, along with a potential BIOS modification. This is among the next tasks planned for the project.