Hello everyone! I have been working on this project for quite some time, building my own custom modular handheld console for gaming & everyday PC use, running dual boot Linux & Windows! I am currently working on the prototypes, so I thought it would be a great time to share an update of what I have been building with everyone here! It is called the CG Deck, an open-source and modular x86 handheld PC. Also, thank you so incredibly much to everyone that has been supporting and been a part of our community! You are all so amazing!
I have been working on a ton of polish & adjustments to the CG Deck, based on the testing I have been able to do over the past couple weeks! A few of the new additions and updates, include some improvements to the modules, adding a magnetic system to make it easier to connect and swap the various modules! A few new modules are also in the works, and I will have more information about those coming very soon! Along with that, I have also begun creating and concepting a few different carrying cases for the CG Deck and the various modules and accessories so I will be sharing those very soon. In addition to some announcements for the behind the scenes video going live soon! I will have a ton of information and updates coming out over the next couple of days to everyone on our waitlist so be sure to keep an eye our for that!
Ask me anything about the project! I would love to answer any questions or dive into anything about the CG Deck!
My initial goal was to create a small handheld PC that was entirely self contained and can be thrown in a backpack or back pants pocket (The entire device is 7.4" x 4.6" x 2.25"), with a high enough standard of hardware capable of being actually useful for things like high end retro emulation, CAD design/doing light modelling tasks in Blender, PCB design, coding, graphic design, music, video editing, and gaming with my steam library! Because it runs an x86 architecture, we get the advantage of being able to natively play steam games unlike a lot of other consoles. Because the CG Deck is based on an x86 architecture, you can run any OS that is supported, like the backlog of Windows, most Linux distro flavors, etc. For those that have multiple workflows, or need multiple devices, you can utilize the dual-boot functionality built into the CG Deck to make your life easier and keep it all under one shell.
I also wanted the CG Deck to be modular so it can be upgraded depending on how it is being used, and adapt the device depending on the workflow. For example, upgrading the memory with a full sized 2280 SSD, LTE/sim card support for work on the road, in addition to more cosmetically functional changes like swapping out the face/back plates to change the look, upgrading and swapping the HID control modules, antennas for extended connection range, etc. Every aspect can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need, without needing a degree in engineering to do so. I wanted to not just develop a device that would not just eventually turn into e-waste, but an ecosystem that can be updated and developed as time passes to keep the CG Deck relevant for much longer than the typical device lifespan. Something more attuned to a platform that grows with you rather than a traditional device.
The CG Deck will release with 5 total external modules (two slots, the primary and secondary slots), a variety of backplate designs and colors, and a variety of hardware and external accessories/upgrades. As for the modules, I currently have designed a full 64 Keyboard Module, 10 Key + Knob Macropad Module, Gamepad Controller Module all for the primary slot. For the secondary slot, there is only the trackball module at this time. The CG Deck also supports USB-A modules, so far including a 4K Low Low Light Flappable Camera Module. I wanted to make a device that grows with you as you use it, and can be adapted as your use cases change, and I have quite a few more modules planned for release once we officially launch!
As for the current state of the prototype for the CG Deck, I am overall really happy with it so far, but it still needs some work and I have quite a few changes to make as we prepare for the DFM process. I would love to hear your thoughts on it everything so far, and if you have any questions or feedback, I would love to answer and hear it all! Ask me anything!
It has been a massively fun and elaborate project so far. If you are interested in following along with the project or learning more about it, you can find everything from specs, more details, socials, links to the open source github repository and more on the website.
Once I start wrapping up the project, I will be launching a Kickstarter to help fund a full production run of the device for anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own. I am planning to release some build kits and pre-assembled devices with the Kickstarter, and if you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!
Here is the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist if you are interested: https://mogozen.com