YOU CAN 3D PRINT YOUR OWN STEAM DECK-STYLE HANDHELD
NucDeck is a fully open-source gaming handheld: 3D-printed shell, off-the-shelf parts, complete build guide.
by dmcke5
GamingElectronics
- difficulty
- ●●●○○
- time
- a weekend or two
- license
- CERN-OHL-S-2.0
- repo
- repo STABLE545 stars
●●●○○ · a weekend or two · CERN-OHL-S-2.0 · 545 stars · repo STABLE
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- 3D printer + filament — printable parts — files are in the repo
- Electronic parts — full list with part numbers in the repo BOM
- Dev board / microcontroller — runs the project firmware
- Soldering kit + basic tools — one-time buy, serves every future build
Partner
COMPAREE VERDICT
If you've ever looked at a Steam Deck and thought 'I want to build that', this is it. NucDeck wraps an Intel NUC (or similar) in a printed handheld shell with real gamepad controls — and the docs are genuinely complete, which is rare for a build this ambitious. It's approachable: mostly assembly and wiring, not deep electronics. The result is a handheld PC you designed, can repair, and can upgrade — no sealed hardware. Great confidence-builder project.
IN THE REPO
NOT IN THE REPO
- —CERN-OHL-S — proper open hardware license, build and modify freely
- —One of the best-documented handheld builds around
Can I build this?
Build at your own risk. Projects involve tools, electronics and sometimes mains voltage — follow the creator’s safety notes.
Partner · KickstarterCORE POWER BANK S: 0.2" thin, 2.8 oz, 5000 mAh with 22.5W fast charging. Semi-solid battery, carbon fiber, IPX7 waterproof.
Videos
NucDeck Episode 7 — PCB & assembly deep-dive (CNCDan)16:09
The build is a 10-part series; Ep.7 is the most-watched core build (150k views).
Gallery
Start here
Navigation into the creator’s own docs — we don’t rewrite the guide, we route you to the source.
- 1.Read the full build guide (it's genuinely complete — follow it)
- 2.Source the mini PC + screen from the BOM (longest lead + biggest cost)
- 3.Start printing the shell (many parts, start early)
- 4.Assemble + wire the gamepad
Resources
Documentation, files and community threads for this build — we link straight to the original sources and never rehost the creator’s files.
- Assembly PDF raw.githubusercontent.com
- Builder Discord discord.gg
- Hackaday feature hackaday.com
- Newer revision: ZenDeck github.com
KNOWN ISSUES
- Lots of print time — start the shell prints before parts arrive
- Wiring the gamepad neatly into the shell is the fiddly step; follow the wiring doc exactly
- PCB minimum order is 5 — find a few build-buddies to split it.
- Motion controls aren't implemented in software v1.0; the repo has stalled since 2024 (creator moved to the ZenDeck), but the Discord is active.
How hard is it really?
Medium — it's mostly careful assembly and wiring, not deep electronics. The docs carry you.
What does it run?
It's a real PC handheld — runs Windows/Linux and whatever your mini PC can play, plus emulation.
Can I mod it?
CERN-OHL-S license — build, modify, share. Swap the mini PC, change the shell, it's yours.
Which NUC do I need?
A 7th-gen Intel NUC (e.g. NUC7i5BNK). The README doesn't state it clearly — it's the most common question.
What's the catch with the PCB?
PCBs are made in batches of 5 (minimum order), so the creator suggests teaming up with a few other builders.
Community builds
No community builds yet — be the first, we feature the best ones.
Discussion1
FROM THE COMPAREE TEAM
The NucDeck PCB has a minimum order of five boards, so the creator suggests finding build-buddies to split a batch. Would you coordinate a group buy or just eat the spares?
dmcke5
Designed NucDeck, a fully open-source Steam Deck-style handheld anyone can print and build, with a complete guide and CERN open-hardware license.
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DISCLAIMER
- Comparee is not the author of the projects featured here. All rights to each project belong to its creator — every page links to the original source, and we never host creators’ files.
- Information is provided without warranty and may become outdated as projects evolve. Prices are indicative bands only — always check the creator’s parts list for current costs.
- Building and operating any project is at your own responsibility. Protective equipment, safe workshop practice and compliance with local regulations are the builder’s responsibility.
CompareeTEAM1mo ago
Two things we learned from our status check: motion controls never landed in the v1.0 software, and the repo has been quiet since 2024 as the creator moved on to the ZenDeck — though the Discord community is still active and helpful. Funny detail: the single most-asked question is which NUC to use, because the README never states it clearly (it's a 7th-gen unit like the NUC7i5BNK). Who's still gaming on a finished build?