SteamBoy is almost complete, with its custom AMOLED display still not working
© PhyFawkes/Reddit A hardware modder PhyFawkes has managed to fit most of an LCD Steam Deck into a handheld roughly the size of an original Game Boy. The project is called SteamBoy , and unlike many handheld builds using separate PC hardware, this one retains the Steam Deck motherboard, battery and controller hardware.
Reddit user PhyFawkes says the motherboard, original battery, speakers and face buttons are all functional. The motherboard and controller boards were left intact rather than being cut down. So far, the project has also avoided the need for custom PCBs.
The enclosure follows the dimensions of the original Game Boy and measures 32 mm thick. The Steam Deck battery takes up nearly the full width of the device and sits between the motherboard and display.
The screen is the remaining challenge
The SteamBoy is not finished yet. Its 1200×1080 90 Hz AMOLED display, originally designed for VR hardware, is currently not functional. PhyFawkes says a custom adapter PCB is required to connect the panel to the Steam Deck display ribbon cable, along with a BIOS modification similar to those used by DeckHD and DeckSight.
Cooling also had to be redesigned for the smaller enclosure. The mod uses a 30×7 mm fan and heatsink with a custom 3D-printed mount. With the CPU and GPU undervolted by 50 mV, the system reportedly stays in the 70°C range while running Tunic and reaches the 80°C range in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
There are still some compromises beyond the display. SteamBoy does not currently have shoulder triggers, although PhyFawkes would like to add them later if space permits.
Source: Reddit via SteamDeckHQ
