Michi NekoMichi, a modder and YouTuber, has transformed the Steam Deck into a perfect homage to the 90s iMac G3 CRT.
The use of translucent plastic technology from the late 90s has experienced a revival. In fact, both 8BitDo and Microsoft have recently released controllers with transparent plastic designs that evoke nostalgia. Additionally, the iconic water-filled mouse is also making a comeback.
One modder has successfully replicated the iconic design of the colorful form factor with the Steam Deck, reminiscent of the iMac G3 CRT. The handheld has been given a late 90s makeover, complete with a vibrant plastic shell.
NekoMichi, a modder and tech YouTuber, initially shared their retro Steam Deck modification on X/Twitter on August 18th.
The Valve handheld mod is showcased in a collection of pictures, unveiling its fresh shell with a translucent, multi-colored design and turquoise buttons.
The modder named their modified Steam Deck the “Deckintosh G3″and detailed how they transformed it into an iMac G3 from 1998.
The modder successfully recreated the iconic look of the iMac G3 by utilizing components from translucent white and emerald green Steam Deck shell packs from the brand ‘Extreme Rate’. The iMac G3, Apple’s inaugural computer model, was famous for its translucent backs, which came in a variety of colors.
NekoMichi was able to flawlessly replicate the iconic blue-green shade of the original ‘Bondi Blue’ iMac G3 on the Steam Deck.
NekoMichi clarifies on X that during the production of the Deckintosh G3, the front and side pieces of the shells were only sold as a set.
To attempt the ’90s Steam Deck mod, you will need to merge two sets of shells, which could potentially double the overall cost.
The Deckintosh G3 now has a custom boot animation! pic.twitter.com/LsusZHvVoC
— NekoMichi (@NekoMichiUBC) August 18, 2024
To successfully finish the mod, the Steam Deck was not equipped with dual-boot capabilities for macOS (which we would not suggest anyway.) Nonetheless, the modder did produce an iMac-inspired start-up video, adding an extra touch to the overall design.
The video, created by NekoMichi, was generously shared at no cost and pays tribute to the boot animation of Mac OS 9.
Capturing the nostalgia of powering on a Mac G3 in the late 90s, the animation flawlessly reproduces the iconic Apple chime and transports viewers back in time. Whether it was for connecting to dial-up internet or playing the beloved iMac game, Bugdom, the animation evokes the same feeling as booting up the actual device.
Leave a Reply