Taking Device Security to the Extreme
A devoted Steam Deck user has taken drastic steps to prevent family members from borrowing their console and returning it with a depleted battery. After repeated frustration, the gamer took to Reddit to showcase a modified console featuring an aggressive security setup, including a 3D-printed spiked shell and an integrated taser system.
Ergonomics Sacrificed for Defense
The modified device, featured on the r/SteamDeck subreddit, has completely abandoned its original ergonomic design. The owner used Blender to create a custom, spiked 3D-printed case that replaces the console's comfortable grip with a jagged, defensive exterior. While this effectively acts as a deterrent, it remains to be seen how easily the owner can remove this custom armor to enjoy the device themselves.
The High-Tech Deterrent System
Beyond the physical spikes, the console is equipped with an automated warning system. The owner explained the process:
"To make it worse, I rigged up a Raspberry Pi with a small speaker, an object detection camera, and a servo motor. I wrote a py script so if the camera sees someone in frame, it plays a goofy audio clip, waits a few seconds and then the servo triggers a taser to scare them away."
This setup ensures that any potential borrower is issued a verbal warning before the device attempts a more shocking defensive maneuver.
Is the Hassle Worth It?
According to the creator, the project has been an undeniable success. By implementing these measures, the gamer has effectively stopped unauthorized use of the console. While the owner admits that disabling the taser and removing the cumbersome case is a "hassle" when they want to play, they maintain that the trade-off is worth it to keep the device safe from others. Family members now reportedly ask for permission before attempting to use the handheld, proving that the extreme measures have successfully set boundaries.