A Reddit user has turned old laptop hard drives into physical game modules for PC gaming. This DIY approach lets players swap games like old cartridges instead of managing large digital libraries. It offers a tangible way to lend or borrow titles, though the system still requires a Steam account to function. We see this as a practical experiment in physical media for the digital age.
Reddit creator uses cheap SSDs and 3D printing for physical game swapping
The project, shared by Reddit user Jibril-sama, uses standard 2.5-inch SATA solid state drives as the storage medium. The creator built a 3D-printed case to house the drive and paired it with a simple SATA dock. This dock connects to the PC and handles both power delivery and data transfer through the standard SATA interface.
Project Specifications
- Storage Medium: 2.5-inch SATA SSD
- Interface: SATA (power and data)
- Case Material: 3D-printed plastic
- Cost (Used): ~$8 per drive
- Cost (New): ~$26 per drive
A custom script monitors the drive connection and automatically launches the associated Steam game when the cartridge is inserted. The system relies on 128 GB drives, which provide enough space for many modern titles. The hardware setup is straightforward, using off-the-shelf components that are easy to source.
Cost is a major factor in this build. Used 128 GB SSDs are available for around $8 each, while new units cost approximately $26. The low price point makes the project accessible for hobbyists who want to tinker with hardware. PC gamers interested in physical game swapping can replicate this setup with minimal investment.
Source: NotebookCheck
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