A modder has completely rebuilt the Steam Deck into a 3D-printed, foldable case—the result is the fully functional “Flip Deck.”
The arrival of the Steam Deck has permanently changed the handheld landscape—but some people long so much for the days of “old” handheld consoles that they take matters into their own hands and modify the Valve console.
One result of such work, proudly presented to the Steam Deck community by Reddit user “MadMario0_0,” is called the “Flip Deck”: a fully functional Steam Deck that has been moved into a custom-built clamshell case made of glittering pink.
“Forget about ergonomics”
From the outside, the device looks like an oversized GameBoy Advance SP; alternative suggestions for the name include other Nintendo-inspired puns like “DS Heavy,” “New New 3DS XXL,” or simply “SteamBoy Advance.”
- Inside, it houses the familiar Steam Deck hardware: According to MadMario0_0, all original components—right down to the ambient light sensor—continue to function as intended.
- Only the analog sticks exceeded the available space—as a solution, the hobbyist designed his own PCBs for the sticks and face buttons.
- Compared to the original, the Flip Deck has grown by about 4 millimeters, but is a full 10 centimeters shorter. The case itself is entirely 3D-printed; the “Pixel Nerd” lettering on the outside is the modder’s personal trademark.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/1sytlhb/flip_deck_anyone_valve_i_need_a_new_cool_job/? utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Given the extraordinary nature of the project, it’s no surprise that the community’s reactions were quick to follow.
- At least one person is concerned about ergonomics, which have been symbolically disregarded in this unusual format—although, according to »Jonnyflash80” is simply part of classic Nintendo design philosophy.
- MadMario0_0 had to clarify himself that the device is actually comfortable to hold: When asked if it could be played for more than ten minutes without causing pain, he replied, in essence, that you “have to love the device,” but it could be worse.
The modder has posted another short video showing what this looks like in action:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/1szjla4/you_all_asked_so_heres_some_flip_deck_gameplay/? utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
In the same breath, MadMario0_0 also admitted that he had to put about a year into the Flip Deck project, which is why community suggestions for a second screen à la “Flip Deck DS” are likely just a pipe dream for the future.
According to the modder, this would require either Valve’s pinout data for the LCD screen or simply someone with significantly more expertise—but even so, the Flip Deck is a simply impressive hardware mod.
