Good news for fans of the Steam Deck: Valve has just announced the availability of CAD (computer-aided design) files to make the shell of its PC-portable game console yourself:
“Steam Deck outer shell (surface topology) CAD files are available today for download, licensed under Creative Commons. This includes models in STP, STL and DWG formats. »explains the publisher.
This announcement will delight fans of DIY and tinkering, but also companies manufacturing accessories. It will therefore be possible to change the hull if it is broken, to create a personalized hull, or even to 3D print a dummy replica of the Steam Deck.
With this announcement, Valve is radically different from Sony, which has sued the Canadian company Dbrand. This company offered side panels with air vents for the PS5 game console.
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The hull plans are offered under a Creative Commons license. The plans can therefore be used, modified and shared freely, without having to pay any fees.
However, the Licence indicates that it is for non-commercial use. In theory, it will therefore not be possible to sell shells, or devices using them, without Valve’s agreement.
The first copies of the valve game console are expected by the end of February. Around 300 games are already certified to work with the Steam Deck.
Source : Valve