Reddit user just created the coolest looking retro Steam Deck and here’s how to build it
A1 for the effort and creativity!
Share this article...
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
A Reddit user recently shared pictures of a custom-themed Steam Deck they designed, and let’s just say it looks quite out there, to say the least.
Reddit user thedarkhairedboy shared pictures of their own custom-themed Steam Deck on the r/SteamDeck subreddit. The custom-designed Steam Deck, which the user called the “Dream Deck,” features a custom shell, buttons, cables, thumbstick, and even a portable power bank. The post has since gained significant attention, with Redditors calling the custom Steam Deck something straight out of a ’90s Nickelodeon show.
Black Friday is back, and with it comes huge savings on some of the market’s most popular gaming and tech products. We’ll be covering all the best deals in more details over in our deals hub, but if you haven’t got time to read through those, why not see our top picks below.
-
ASUS TUF NVIDIA RTX 5080
Was $1599
Now $1199
-
ASUS TUF RTX 5070 Ti
Was $999
Now $849
-
Samsung Odyssey OLED G6
Was $899
Now $649
-
TCL 43S250R Roku TV 2023
Was $279
Now $199
-
iBUYPOWER Y40 Gaming PC
Was $2,299
Now $1,819
-
Samsung Odyssey G9 (G95C)
Was $1,299
Now $777
-
Alienware Area-51 gaming laptop
Was $3,499
Now $2,799
-
Samsung 77-inch OLED S95F
Was $4,297
Now $3,497
-
ASUS ROG Strix G16
Was $1,499
Now $1,199
*Prices and savings subject to change. Click through to get the current prices.
Custom-themed Steam Deck comes with a 2000mAH portable power bank
The custom-themed Steam Deck is filled with interesting details. The overall theme of the handheld device follows a similar pattern with a transparent shell and vibrant-colored buttons and thumbsticks that stand out. Additionally, this Steam Deck features a few other cool additions, including a portable power bank that adds a small futuristic element to it. Here is a list of everything used to create this custom-themed Steam Deck:
・Extremerate translucent shell and translucent orange button set
・Clear ABXY button set (PortablePlayPalace on Etsy)
・2-tone TPU thumbstick caps (NinjaPrint3D on Etsy)
・DeckMate that I 3d printed in transparent orange PETG
・SHARGE STORM2 Slim portable power bank
・3.8 inch green silicone USB C cable (ChubbyCable)
・Right angle USB C adapter that I sanded down for the metallic look
While most of the parts are focused on customization, the only addition to the specs is the use of a portable power bank, which will certainly help with battery life. The user chose the Shargeek Storm 2 Slim Portable Power Bank, which, while not the best on the market, matches the aesthetic they aimed for. It features a translucent design and an IPS display that shows battery life, temperatures, output distribution, and more. Additionally, it offers a large capacity of 20,000mAh, 130W fast charging, and a 100W USB-C port.
How much does this custom Steam Deck cost?
While the user has not confirmed the exact price of their custom Steam Deck, they did provide a parts list. Using this list and the specific sellers mentioned, we found most of the items available on either Etsy or Amazon. Here’s how much each item would cost you along with their product links:
- Extremerate translucent shell: $35.99 on Amazon
- Extremerate translucent orange button set: $18.99 on Amazon
- Clear ABXY Xbox button set: $30 on Etsy
- 2-tone TPU thumbstick caps: $11.50 on Etsy
- DeckMate that I 3d printed in transparent orange PETG: Not available
- Shargeek STORM 2 Slim portable power bank: $200 on Amazon
- 3.8-inch green silicone USB C cable: $20.99 on Amazon
- Right angle USB C adapter: Under $10 on Amazon
In total, you’re looking at about a $350 cost, considering the 3D printing expenses and some margins here and there if you plan to create something similar. Overall, this custom-themed Steam Deck looks pretty cool and does look like a gadget made by the genius white-haired character in cartoons.
It might not be to everyone’s taste, as you might have guessed from the Reddit comments, but it’s impressive to see someone put so much effort into creating something this unique. If you don’t own a Steam Deck but plan on getting one, we recommend checking out our Steam Deck vs. MSI Claw review, where we called the Steam Deck the go-to option for handheld PC gaming.
