A PC gamer has ingeniously crafted a novel Steam Game Cartridge system that marries the nostalgic charm of old-school console cartridges with the expansive and versatile library offered by Steam. This innovative project, introduced by the Reddit user Jibril-sama on the PC Master Race forum, repurposes a collection of old SATA SSDs into functional game cartridges. The design employs a disk mount detection and execution script on the software side, complemented by a SATA dock on the hardware side, creating a seamless gaming experience.
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Steam Game Cartridges
from r/pcmasterrace
In a casual yet informative post, Jibril-sama shared, “Got a couple of used 2.5″ SSDs for cheap so I decided to make a Game Cartridge system.” The SSDs not only store the games but also feature a script that automatically navigates Steam to the game’s page, enabling users to launch their games with minimal effort. This approach alleviates the burden on primary storage, an issue many gamers face as their libraries expand.
Technical Insights
In our quest for deeper understanding, we reached out to Jibril-sama for further details about the system’s design, which aims to minimize user friction. They explained that the setup operates on Linux, utilizing Valve’s Steam URL Protocol to facilitate navigation and game launches. “All it needs is a systemd template to check for a script on the SSD and launch it. And a udev rule to trigger the system,” Jibril-sama elaborated to Tom’s Hardware. “So basically: Plug in SSD -> udev rule sees the event -> triggers the systemd daemon -> systemd daemon looks into the SSD and finds the script -> execute the script.”
While this innovative solution holds promise, it also raises questions about the compatibility of Steam game libraries when transferred across different PCs. As more games are tested with this system, it may reveal unforeseen challenges that could affect user experience.
Looking ahead, there is hope that Jibril-sama will share comprehensive implementation guides, scripts, and resources that could empower others to create or even 3D print their own Steam Game Cartridge shells. This project not only showcases creativity but also highlights the potential for upcycling technology in the gaming community.
