Modder creates hybrid handheld out of broken Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons
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It can be pretty devastating when a beloved console breaks. One modder turned this terrible situation into an opportunity by transforming a broken Steam Deck into a hybrid console by using some spare Joy-Cons, a 3D printer, and some creativity.
A user called u/Kanjo19 posted on Reddit about a project they had undertaken that turned a broken Steam Deck into a unique handheld device that they humorously dubbed the ‘Steam Switch 2'. The project basis was a Steam Deck, which suffered from a cracked screen and a broken controller board.
Creating a hybrid Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch
The original plan that Kanjo19 had was to build a ‘Steam Brick' with no screen and use Xreal AR glasses. However, after the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, they decided to go in a different direction. They purchased an after-market LCD screen and a pair of spare Joy-Cons. The Joy-Cons were modified with Hall Effect sensors to eliminate stick drift, something that Nintendo didn’t end up doing for Switch 2 despite earlier rumors.
The trickiest part was designing a suitable shell to put this Frankenstein console into. Kanjo19 admits that they are not a 3D modelling professional, so it took six or seven prototype prints in order to get a version they were happy with.
Steam Switch 2 hybrid handheld, source: Reddit
The result looks much like a Nintendo Switch thanks to the Joy-Cons, but with a larger screen. In case you’re wondering, Kanjo19 confirms that the Joy-Cons are connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, so there’s no wired connection in play here.
Further refinements on the concept are planned, including a print using more durable PET-G filament. When these refinements are complete, Kanjo19 plans to share the files on Makerworld for others to try if they wish. Ideally, anyone wanting to attempt this build will not only need the files but also a donor Steam Deck along with spare Joy-Cons. As an additional warning, anyone trying this will need to be cautious during assembly, as Kanjo19 managed to snap an SD card during the assembly process.
Still, it is a good way to make use of broken technology. We doubt the SD card is salvageable, however.
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