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Steam Brick is a real, one-off Steam Deck hardware modification that removes the handheld’s built-in screen and controls, then places the remaining computer in a custom 3D-printed case. It still needs an external display and input device, usually connected through a USB-C dock. That makes it an ingenious salvage or modding experiment—not a new Valve product, a drop-in kit, or a sensible upgrade for most Steam Deck owners.
The project was built from a 1 TB OLED Steam Deck and documented on January 26, 2025. Its creator used the system with AR glasses and a TV, making the original screen and controls redundant in everyday use. Hackaday introduced the project, while the creator’s project page contains the important technical details and warnings.
What is Steam Brick?
Steam Brick is a custom modification of a Steam Deck, not an official Steam Deck model or Valve-supported accessory. The build keeps the motherboard, cooling system, battery, antennas, storage, USB-C port, and power button, while removing the assemblies that make the Deck a handheld:
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- The analog sticks, buttons, triggers, and trackpads
- The original outer shell
- Other handheld-specific parts not required for external use
The result is a compact computer that runs SteamOS but has no built-in screen or game controls. “Headless” is therefore slightly imprecise: it has no integrated display, but it normally operates with a TV, monitor, AR glasses, external controller, keyboard, or other peripherals.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (6-in-1, For Handheld Game Console), 8.66-inch (220 mm) built-in USB C cable, welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why remove the screen and controls?
The creator’s justification was straightforward. The Deck did not fit conveniently in a backpack, and it was mainly being used with AR glasses or a TV. In that situation, carrying an integrated screen and controls provides little benefit.
That logic is personal rather than universal. Most people buy a Steam Deck because it combines a gaming PC, display, controls, and battery in one handheld. Removing those parts sacrifices the device’s defining advantage. The idea becomes more compelling when the donor Deck already has a broken screen, damaged controls, a ruined shell, or is otherwise surplus.
How does it work without a display?
The Steam Deck’s USB-C port can provide external video through DisplayPort 1.4, according to iFixit’s Steam Deck documentation. In the Steam Brick project, the creator successfully tested booting with the internal screen and most peripherals disconnected, while leaving the fan attached.
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- Connect the Brick to a powered USB-C dock or hub.
- Connect the dock to a TV, monitor, or compatible AR display.
- Attach an external controller over Bluetooth or USB.
- Connect power through the dock or a USB-C charger.
- Press the remaining power button to boot SteamOS.
The project confirms external video over USB and external peripherals through a dock. It does not prove that every dock, cable, display, television, or pair of AR glasses will work identically. Video handshakes, power delivery, resolution, refresh rate, sleep behavior, and SteamOS configuration can all affect the result.
What remains inside?
Steam Brick is built around the Deck’s motherboard and cooling assembly. The fan remains connected, and the project retains the battery, antennas, storage, USB-C connection, and original power button. The finished case also provides an air-intake opening and reuses the original metal grille.
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- Upgraded 6-in-1 Docking Station: Features HDMI 2.1 4K@120Hz output for ultra-smooth, crystal-clear visuals, plus 100W PD charging, 3 fast USB A 3.0 ports, and a ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet connection. Now supports ROG Ally X and Legion Go S, giving you more ways to enjoy a seamless big-screen gaming experience. NOTE: Not for ROG XBOX Ally / XBOX Ally X.
- 4K@120Hz HDMI Output (Upgraded): Experience double the refresh rate compared to the previous 4K@60Hz version. Whether you’re battling online or watching cinematic cut-scenes, enjoy buttery-smooth gameplay and reduced screen tearing on external monitors.
- Full-Speed 100W Charging: Supports up to 100W PD charging, easily powering your handheld in Turbo Mode. Keeps your gaming sessions uninterrupted — no need to worry about battery drain even during marathon play. Note: The ROG Ally's 30W Turbo Mode is fully supported, but a 100W charger is recommended.
- Gigabit Ethernet: Enhance your gaming with gigabit Ethernet for seamless online play, rapid updates, and quick file transfers. Enjoy lightning-fast downloads and uploads, eliminating lag and latency for uninterrupted sessions.
- Expanded Device Compatibility: Now works with Steam Deck LCD/OLED, ROG Ally / Ally X, Legion Go / Go S, and MSI Claw — making it your all-in-one solution across multiple handhelds. NOTE: Not for ROG XBOX Ally / XBOX Ally X.
The exact internal arrangement matters. OLED and LCD Steam Decks are not interchangeable designs, and the creator specifically performed this build on a 1 TB OLED model. iFixit documents separate OLED and LCD internals, including differences involving screens, shields, fans, and other assemblies. Do not assume that the same frame cuts, screws, mounting points, antenna routing, or disconnected-boot behavior will work on an LCD Deck.
How the custom enclosure was made
The creator used iFixit’s battery and motherboard replacement guides as disassembly references, then modified the original aluminum internal frame. Excess “wings” were removed with a rotary tool, and selected screws were reinstalled to secure the fan and motherboard cover.
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The new enclosure was designed with board-alignment pegs, a cutout for the original power button, and an intake opening. The main shell was printed in Overture Polycarbonate Pro, while PLA and a 3D-printing pen were used for colored details and logo accents.
This is important context for anyone treating the project as a build guide: the creator describes Steam Brick as an experiment and explicitly says it is not a guide. The frame modification is rudimentary, and the creator acknowledges that the fan was not adequately protected while grinding the metal. The published result demonstrates one working arrangement; it does not establish a polished, repeatable design.
Size and weight
The completed Steam Brick is reported at:
- 193.5 × 126.5 × 21 mm
- 7.6 × 4.9 × 0.8 inches
- 474 g / 16.7 oz
The creator characterizes it as roughly one-third the size of the original Deck and about four times smaller than the OEM case, while being 24% lighter. Those comparisons are the creator’s descriptions, not independent benchmarks.
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- Upgraded 5-in-1 Docking Station: Features HDMI 2.1 4K@120Hz output for ultra-smooth, crystal-clear visuals, plus 100W PD charging, dual USB A 2.0 ports, and a reliable Ethernet connection. Now supports ROG Ally X and Legion Go S, giving you more ways to enjoy a seamless big-screen gaming experience. NOTE: Not for ROG XBOX Ally / XBOX Ally X.
- 4K@120Hz HDMI Output (Upgraded): Experience double the refresh rate compared to the previous 4K@60Hz version. Whether you’re battling online or watching cinematic cut-scenes, enjoy buttery-smooth gameplay and reduced screen tearing on external monitors.
- Full-Speed 100W Charging: Supports up to 100W PD charging, easily powering your handheld in Turbo Mode. Keeps your gaming sessions uninterrupted — no need to worry about battery drain even during marathon play. Note: The ROG Ally's 30W Turbo Mode is fully supported, but a 100W charger is recommended.
- Reliable Wired Ethernet: Enjoy a stable and consistent network connection with the built-in RJ45 port, ensuring low-latency performance for smooth online gaming and streaming.
- Expanded Device Compatibility: Now works with Steam Deck LCD/OLED, ROG Ally / Ally X, Legion Go / Go S, and MSI Claw — making it your all-in-one solution across multiple handhelds. NOTE: Not for ROG XBOX Ally / XBOX Ally X.
More importantly, the figures cover only the Brick itself. A real travel setup also needs a display or AR glasses, dock, controller, charger, and cables. Once those are added, the complete kit may not be smaller or lighter than an intact Steam Deck.
Does Steam Brick still have a battery?
Yes. The battery remains part of the build. However, the project page did not provide controlled before-and-after runtime testing. The creator expected the removed screen and controls to account for relatively little idle consumption compared with the whole system, but that was an expectation, not a measured battery-life improvement.
There is therefore no solid basis for claiming that Steam Brick lasts substantially longer than a normal Deck. Removing the display may reduce some power demand, while external displays and docks introduce their own power requirements.
The limitations are more serious than the size savings
BIOS access is no longer normal
The usual method of holding the + button while powering on is impossible because that button has been removed. From Linux, the creator used:
systemctl reboot --firmware-setupThat workaround depends on having a functioning external display and a usable operating system. It is not a substitute for having physical controls available during every recovery scenario.
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- Adjustable Stand for Tailor-Made Comfort: The docking station has a stand composed of two foldable panels. Therefore, the back panel no longer blocks the heat dissipation outlet of the gaming consoles, greatly enhancing the heat dissipation effect.
- 10Gbps Fast Transmission: This USB C Dock has two USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces (1A1C) with a transmission rate of up to 10Gbps. It supports external mobile hard drives and USB flash drives and can transfer game files at high speed. There are also two USB-A 2.0 interfaces that support keyboard, mouse, gamepad receivers, etc., effectively reducing delays and interference.
- Ultra-clear Screen Projection: The Steam deck dock supports up to 4K (3840x2160) @60Hz, backward compatible with 4K@30Hz, 2K (2560x1440) @60Hz, 1080P (1920x1080) @120Hz.At the same time, it supports high brush resolutions such as 2K@144Hz, 2K@120Hz, 1080P@240Hz, and 1080P@144Hz.
- PD 100W Fast Charging: Supporting up to 100W power delivery, this docking station ensures your Type-C game device charges at maximum speed. Perfectly supports ROG Ally 30W Turbo mode to unleash surging performance.Note: Steam Deck max charging speed is 45W, while ROG Ally reaches 65W.
- Widely Compatible: This handheld gaming dock is widely compatible with gaming consoles such as Steam Deck, ROG Ally, ROG X, ROG Xbox Ally, LEGION Go and MSI Claw A1M. Also it is widely compatible with various USB-C devices to meet a variety of needs,like iPad Pro/Air, Surface Pro8 & Go 3. Not compatible with Swith 2
There is no built-in fallback
If the dock fails, the display does not wake, or the USB-C video handshake breaks, the Brick has no internal screen to show an error or recovery menu. Bluetooth pairing can also be awkward if no previously paired controller is available. Keeping a wired keyboard or controller and a known-good monitor nearby is practical insurance.
The power state is unclear
The creator notes that the indicator light does not clearly communicate whether the Brick is powered on or off. That is a small inconvenience on a conventional Deck, but more confusing when there is no screen or handheld interface to confirm the system state.
Long-term reliability is unknown
The project does not provide long-term reliability or thermal measurements. Polycarbonate was selected for the enclosure, but the available documentation does not establish thermal performance under sustained gaming loads. The creator also says they do not know how long the modified console will survive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the modification reversible?
It should not be treated as a reversible mod. Reassembly may be possible in principle, but the build cuts the aluminum internal frame, removes the original shell, separates display and controller assemblies, and reorganizes the hardware around a new enclosure.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThere is also a risk of stressing ribbon cables, connectors, antennas, fasteners, the fan, or the motherboard during disassembly and grinding. The existence of repair guides does not make this particular conversion reversible; it simply shows that the original Deck contains many separately serviceable assemblies. iFixit’s repair hub lists guides for the battery, motherboard, display, controls, fan, back cover, SSD, and other parts.
Best Value
- 6-in-1 Docking Station for Steam Deck - There are many steam deck docks on the market, but this is the only one that comes with 4K@144Hz HDMI 2.1, 100W charging input, 2x 10G USB-A 3.2, 1x 10G USB-C 3.2, and Gigabit RJ45! Fast charging, high-speed data transfer, HD gaming, and a great experience are waiting for you.
- 4K@144hz HDMI 2.1 Output - If you are a deep gamer, you must know what 144HZ means. Your gaming journey will be like watching a movie, 4K@144hz HDMI 2.1 Output(under DP1.4 & DSC ).
- 10Gbps Fast Transmission - This steam deck dock has 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (2*USB-A + 1*USB-C), with a transfer rate of up to 10Gbps, facilitating flexible connectivity for external mobile hard drives or USB flash drives, ensuring swift game file transfers.
- More Design Details - This steam deck dock supports charging, 100W input, 85W output, continuous power supply to enjoy the game without interruption. It supports Gigabit network port. The size is only 13.0x7.5x3.5cm/5.11x2.95x1.38 inches, and the weight is only 145g/5.1 ounces, which is easy to carry.
- Pls Note - The charger and charging cable are not included, please use your own qualified charger to charge the dock. The USB-C charging port is charging only, the USB-C data port is for data transfer only. Please note that the dock does not compatible with NS(SWITCH). It compatible with Steam Deck, Legion Go, ROG Ally and Claw, USB-C phones, tablets, and more, HDCP2.3 also.
Can you print the case?
The project links to STL files on Printables. The project page lists the design under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 license. That means readers should not assume they can commercially reproduce or sell the enclosure. Check the current files, revision history, model compatibility, and license terms before printing.
The files should also be treated as OLED-specific unless the author confirms otherwise. A downloadable STL is not the same thing as a universal kit: it does not eliminate the need for teardown, frame modification, hardware fitting, troubleshooting, and potentially revised parts.
Who should—and should not—build one?
It may make sense for:
- An experienced electronics modder who accepts permanent damage
- An owner of a broken-screen, damaged-control, or surplus Deck
- Someone who uses a Deck almost exclusively with a TV, monitor, or AR glasses
- A 3D-printing hobbyist comfortable revising CAD designs
- A hardware enthusiast who values the experiment more than convenience
It is a poor choice for:
- Anyone who still plays the Deck handheld
- A first-time electronics repairer
- Someone considering buying a fully functional OLED Deck just to remove its screen
- Anyone who needs dependable BIOS, recovery, warranty, or repair support
- Anyone unwilling to risk the battery, motherboard, and other expensive components
Safety and ownership considerations
The creator warns that the project is not approved or endorsed by Valve and may destroy the console. Those warnings deserve to be taken literally. A lithium battery can be dangerous if punctured, crushed, overheated, or shorted. A rotary tool can throw conductive debris and damage nearby components, and the frame should not be ground close to an exposed battery, fan, antenna, or motherboard without appropriate protection and control.
Before irreversible work, test the intended dock, display, controller, keyboard, and power arrangement with the Deck intact. Photograph cable routing, label screws, keep the original screen and controls, and make sure the fan remains securely mounted and unobstructed. A wired input device and known-good display are especially valuable for recovery.
Warranty, resale, and standard repair options may also become more complicated after cutting the chassis and removing major assemblies. Steam Brick is not a Valve product, and there is no evidence that Valve or ordinary repair shops will service it as a standard Steam Deck.
Better alternatives for most owners
| Alternative | Best for | Why it is safer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Steam Deck dock | TV or monitor gaming | Reversible and preserves the handheld, controls, battery, and normal repair path |
| Intact Deck with AR glasses | The creator’s external-display use case | Keeps the built-in display and controls available when needed |
| Mini PC | Desktop-oriented living-room or desk use | Does not sacrifice a handheld and usually offers standard ports and cooling |
| Salvage conversion | A Deck with a failed screen or damaged shell | Uses hardware that may already be unsuitable as a normal handheld |
A mini PC may provide better desktop connectivity or performance, but it usually lacks the Deck’s integrated battery and handheld SteamOS experience. AR glasses can provide a large virtual display, but they do not solve controller, charging, or recovery issues on their own. For ordinary docked play, a conventional dock is the clear low-risk option.
Bottom line
Steam Brick is clever because it proves that the Deck’s core computer can be repackaged as a headless external-display machine. It is also extreme: the size reduction comes from removing the screen, controls, and original chassis, not from improving the Deck’s performance or turning it into a better all-purpose travel device.
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For an experienced modder with a damaged or surplus Deck, it is a compelling salvage project. For someone who simply wants a smaller setup, a dock, external display, or AR glasses with an intact Deck is the better answer. Do not buy a new OLED model for this purpose unless the irreversible experiment itself—not convenience—is the point.
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