Even though the Steam Deck does not have the same level of modularity as the Nintendo Switch, its Linux foundation and relatively open hardware have made it a favorite canvas for modders and creative tinkerers. With its hardware now feeling a bit dated, the scene is filled with inventive approaches that push the boundaries of what Valve originally planned. Some of these mods transform the Steam Deck into something completely new.
One mod, in particular, gives the Steam Deck a unique makeover, trading its portable game console persona for a more versatile form factor. Drawing inspiration from the classic Japanese lunch box, this Bento Steam Deck mod turns the keyboard into the main event, shifting attention away from the now-absent screen. The result is a device that feels more like a compact, portable PC than a traditional handheld gaming system.
Designer: Michael Gutensohn (michaelthatsit)
While the Steam Deck has the guts to compete with basic laptops, its original design is clearly tailored for gaming and not much else. Adding a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse can help, but the small built-in display quickly makes you wish for an external monitor. At that point, the device loses its portability, quietly becoming just another desktop-bound computer.
The Bento mod tackles this limitation with a fresh perspective. At first glance, it looks like someone simply placed an Apple Magic Keyboard atop a wide, nondescript box. In reality, that wide box neatly houses the Steam Deck’s internals, including its battery and cooling solution. True to its bento box inspiration, the inside is divided into dedicated compartments, with one side left empty to stash accessories or additional tools.
The real magic happens when you connect a pair of AR glasses, such as the Xreal Air, to the Bento Steam Deck. This setup gives users a large, immersive, and private virtual display, all while keeping things genuinely portable. It is true that this mod sacrifices the Steam Deck’s handheld convenience since you need to set it down to use, but the payoff is a much more comfortable typing and computing experience. For gaming sessions, a wireless controller can always be added to the mix.
There are still some aspects that could be refined, like finding a way to store a mouse in the spare compartment or perhaps resizing the box for better cooling. The Bento Steam Deck mod puts usability and straightforward design first, drawing inspiration from the simple, practical nature of the lunch box it is modeled after. It stands out as a clever, approachable twist for anyone looking to get more from their Steam Deck.
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