Valve publishes files to allow players to 3D print their own Steam Deck shells

Ahead of the launch of Valve’s new handheld PC, the Steam Deck, the publisher has released CAD files that will allow players to 3D print their own Steam Deck shell.

In a post to Steam, the publisher said: “Hello! Good news for all the tinkerers, modders, accessory manufacturers, or folks who just want to 3D print a Steam Deck to see how it feels.

“Today we’re making the CAD files for the external shell (surface topology) of Steam Deck available for download under a Creative Commons license. This includes an STP model, STL model, and drawings (DWG) for reference. You can find the files here.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what the community creates!”

In the listing for the files, a note from Valve can be found reading:

“As mentioned in our ‘Take a look inside Steam Deck video, you have every right to open up your Steam Deck and do what you want with it. That said, we highly recommend you leave it to professionals. Any damage you do will not be covered by your warranty – but more importantly, you might break your Steam Deck, or even get hurt! Be careful, and have fun.”

The files will allow players to create custom accessories for the machine ahead of its launch later in February.

The Steam Deck will launch on February 28, although pre-orders for the machine have been sold out since they became available. Valve will distribute the first batch of order emails to reservation holders (in the order they were placed) shortly after 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm GMT on February 25.

Customers will be given 72 hours from receipt of their order email to purchase a Steam Deck or their reservation will be passed to the next person waiting.

Prices start at $399 / £349 (64GB eMMC), with increased storage options available for $529 / £459 (256GB NVMe SSD) and $649 / £569 (512GB NVMe SSD).

Recent previews of the Steam Deck have praised its performance and battery, but have questioned the machines comfort over long use.