Every week we talk about a new portable console, showing that it is a lucrative market that still has a long way to go, but, if none of the models available on the market satisfy your needs, you can create your own Steam Deck just like the modder Beth Lee has done, who has also shared the entire process so that any user, with the appropriate knowledge, can also create their own portable console.
Create your own Steam Deck
The first problem that Beth had to solve to carry out the project of creating her own portable console was to find a motherboard with processor. While it’s true that he could have used the one found in a new laptop capable of running the latest games, it would obviously be a waste of money, so he opted for one of the different motherboards that the modular laptop maker Framework offers.
Framework is one of the few manufacturers that allows users to design the laptop they need by selecting the processor as well as the amount of RAM, SSD, screen type and much more. Beth opted for the motherboard, a Framework model for computers. 13 inches due to its small size. Regarding the battery, it used the same one that is available for the 13-inch device. The screen is a generic 8-inch with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels and LCD.
As for RAM memory, here it depends on the needs we have and since these are components that we can find in any laptop, it is not difficult to buy them directly from Amazon or PcComponentes. We find the same case with the storage space we need.
Regarding the operating system, it depends on the type of use we are going to give it. If we are only going to play games from the Steam store with a Linux distro it is more than enough, but if we want to be able to play other titles available on GOG or in the Epic Games Storewe must opt for Windows 11 by purchasing an OEM license that costs no more than 20 euros.
As for the joysticks and the button panel, it has used the components of a control knob that fits any mobile phone. For sound, two 1.25-inch speakers have been used, although it is not recommended due to the interference and vibrations it causes in the console.
The rest of the components necessary to assemble the console, such as the HDMI port to send the signal to an external monitor, the USB-C port and the headphone jack among others and the cables used can be found on Amazon for very little money.
According to them, all the components used to carry out this project, not counting the price of the motherboard, cost no more than $200. Memory or SSD are not included in this price either.
As expected, he used a 3D printeras well as for the joystick trims, buttons and battery holder. If you want to carry out this project on your own through here You can access the project from where we can also download the plans to print the parts.
Although it is true that it is more expensive than a Steam Deck, since it is a modular design, we can easily expand it by replacing the motherboard with more powerful models and expand the RAM and SSD whenever we want, an option that is not even found in the Steam Deck or any other portable console on the market.
