Valve Releases Steam Deck CAD Files Allowing Anyone To 3D-Print Custom Shells

Engadget reports: With two weeks to go before its February 25th release date, Valve has published CAD files for Steam Deck's exterior shell to GitHub. Making them available under a Creative Commons license, the company noted the release is "good news" for DIY enthusiasts, modders and most notably, accessory manufacturers. All three groups can use the provided technical drawings and schematics to 3D-print custom shells for the handheld.

As Eurogamer notes, Valve's decision here is an interesting one. It suggests the company will allow case makers to freely make aftermarket shells for Steam Deck. In fact, Valve said it was "looking forward to seeing what the community creates!" Contrast that to the approach Sony has taken with the PlayStation 5. When Sony's latest console first shipped and only came in one color, an entire cottage industry of companies sprang up to produce colored plates for the PS5. However, Sony quickly moved to shut down those projects before it went on to announce a set of first-party covers for people to purchase.

Can I 3D Print BASH?

[zenlessyank]

Asking for a friend.

Re: Can I 3D Print BASH?

[samwichse]

Here you go
https://drive.google.com/file/... [google.com]

Imagine

[ArhcAngel]

A Beowulf cluster of shells!

Re:Imagine

[ZERO1ZERO]

Imagine hot grits and a beowulf cluster. Natalie Portman.

Re:

[Jarik C-Bol]

I’d waste a mod point on your comment just out of nostalgia for the /. Of old.

Integral USB hubs, battery packs, external storage

[couchslug]

Hell yes! When they're proven I want one for a handy portable Linux box and printed cases make for interesting options.

Rugged cases could turn Decks into many useful things.

Re:

[fazig]

As long as can manage to keep the thermal design working.

Gamers Nexus did some thermal testing, discovering that the thermal design of the case is required to keep the charging electronics cool enough (below 105C according to Gamers Nexus claims about the specs of the IC). Or be careful and never charge the battery while playing a game with significant enough requirements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?... [youtube.com] (thermal testing etc.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?... [youtube.com] (tear-down video)

All in all it looks quit

The rest can be scanned

[couchslug]

Some or many curious owners will do that soon enough as the components are small.

Re:

[Crookdotter]

There are plenty of unofficial dock makers, add on joysticks, wall hangers etc to be made using the external dimensions of it.

Re:

[mustafap]

I agree. I opened the step file in Fusion 360, its a solid block. Useless.

Re:

[UnknowingFool]

It is for you to design a case using the dimensions and specifics of the block; it is not a ready to print 3D case.

Re:

[sjames]

On the contrary, it's quite useful if you want to design a stand, docking station, or protective cover. I've already seen a quick walk through video of designing a stand using the step file to do a boolean cut. The cut even left an impression of the vent slots making it easy to pocket an opening for the vents.

I hope this starts a trend or releasing CAD files for consumer devices. It would be nice to have the more detailed CAD you seem to want, or course. But this beats the hell out of the nothing others are

Re:

[UnknowingFool]

That is up to the creator. It goes not give them (nor dictate) every design choice someone would make in making a skin like in smartphones. Some companies make the cheapest, thinnest smartphone cases. Others like Otterbox go to the other extreme with very durable even waterproof cases.

GitLab not GitHub

[cyba]

Your "GitHub" link actually points to a project hosted on Steam's GitLab (https://gitlab.steamos.cloud/).

Creative Commons Non-Commercial

[hrieke]

Certainly ideal for the maker community, but for the commercial community, me thinks a contract will be required.