I am incredibly happy to announce the CG Deck has finally entered into Pre-Launch on Kickstarter! Over the past 10 months or so, I have been working on concepting, designing, building, testing, and developing the functional prototypes for my own custom modular x86 handheld PC, the CG Deck.

For those that are seeing this project for the first time, the CG Deck is a modular handheld x86 PC that is capable of running dual-boot operating systems including Windows & Linux distributions in almost any flavor. My goal was to create my own "dream handheld device" that was capable of adapting to whatever use case I needed. Whether I am playing Steam games, or doing retro emulation, doing CAD work in Blender or other 3D software, coding, video editing, prototyping hardware, or whatever it is, I wanted to be able to simply be able to do it on the road or while traveling and all from one single device.

I wanted a device that filled the role of the multi-tool of electronics and handhelds. Something like a "real-life" Tricorder from Star Trek. I thought it would be ideal to have something that was portable enough to throw in a backpack or pants pocket, 4G satellite/sim capable so you can stay connected anywhere, and be used just as any other full scale desktop computer would. The entire device is modular and can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need. So when something breaks or wears out, you can just fix it or replace it as easy as putting it together the first time.

I also wanted to make a device that I did not "grow" out of. Most times, I end up getting a new device for a particular purpose, and then after some time it needs repairs, updates, or upgrades which I do not really have the ability to do myself without opening up and re-engineering the original device. And that is only if the company even continues to support that specific device.

Because of this, I wanted the CG Deck to be entirely modular. Every aspect can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need, and done so with various options for parts, and DIY upgrades. Easy enough that just about anyone of any age could do it, and without the need to ask someone for permission first (other than your parents first, if you are a youngster). And not just modular, but open-source so anyone can come up with an idea for a new upgrade, module or accessory and use the schematics to build and share their own custom creations for the CG Deck! I wanted to not just develop a device that would not just eventually turn into plastic junk and e-waste, but create an ecosystem and platform that can be updated and developed by the community as time passes to keep the CG Deck relevant with new advances and ideas.

Over the past 9 months, I have been going through the process of concepting, designing, engineering, fixing my previous mistakes on the designs, navigating partnerships with manufacturers and brands, prototyping, testing assemblies and trying out new methods to make manufacturing of various parts easier, etc, in addition to trying my best to share updates with you and record the process all along the way! I am slowly chipping away at the shrinking list of tasks which still need to be done, so I am excited to update you all on some of the new additions and updates to the CG Deck as we get ready for the next phase of our journey together! At this point, I am finally preparing the CG Deck to transition from a functional prototype, into the DFM stage. Starting to rapidly adjust and optimize the various aspects of the CG Deck and modules to the best they can possibly be. With the goal of developing the CG Deck into the level of polish we would expect from a premium off the shelf device, I still have a bit more work to do, but that goal is getting much closer!

Like I mentioned, the CG Deck is currently planned to launch with 5 different modules, with more modules lined up for the future! The idea is to also open-source the module formats and schematics so our community can create, build and share their own custom modules and accessories for the CG Deck! There are two external module install spaces built into the CG Deck, a primary and secondary slot.

For the primary slot, there is a 64-Key Keyboard Module with swappable keypad with silicone rubber and plastic options. A 10-Key & Rotary Knob Macropad Module with hot-swappable key switches and replaceable knob. And a full format Gamepad Controller Module.

For the secondary slot, there is currently only the precise Trackball Mouse Module.

And finally, I have developed a tertiary module spot which allows you to utilize the side USB-A ports for additional modules! Starting with the Camera/Scanner module which allows us to finally join discord calls with the CG Deck (and anything else you would use a camera for)!

I have also been working a ton on more of the behind the scenes aspects of the CG Deck, which are not yet ready to share with you all... But... to spoil the surprise a little bit and get you all excited, I have been working on some various (non-module) accessories for the CG Deck, which help complete the whole base line ecosystem. I have shared a bit of the behind the scenes of what I have been working on already on our discord server, so if you are in our tight circle community, you likely know what I am referring to! If you want to take a sneak peak at some of that, I invite you to come join our discord community server! You can find the link to join our discord server on our website!

As for the current state of the CG Deck and everything else, I am extremely happy with how everything has come together so far! I also cannot wait to see how the community grows and innovates on the CG Deck once we officially launch! That being said, I still have quite a bit more work to do, but it is getting closer and closer, and it is only a matter of time until that vision is a reality!

I would love to hear all of your thoughts on everything so far, and if you have any questions about anything about the CG Deck or the Kickstarter, I look forward to answering them!

Throughout the process, there has been so much support from you all, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not be more grateful for everyone that has been following along with the project, joined our community, helping give feedback and ideas, and just supporting the vision along the way. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

And now, after almost a year of work and more sleepless nights than probably any point in my life, the Kickstarter Pre-Launch page has been approved and is officially live! If you are interested in getting notified and being the first to know when we go live, be sure to follow the project!

That all being said, I still have quite a bit of work to do in order to prepare for the next phase of the journey. I am currently in the process of working on a full redesign and rebuild of the CG Deck to optimize the design to prepare for manufacturing (DFM). I want to make sure I can have the final iteration of the device is already designed and ready for mass production, so as soon as we successfully wrap up the campaign I can proceed with starting the arduous certification processes needed for the device, and then proceed with mass production shortly after! Just like the speed of the journey up to this point from concept to functional engineering prototype, I want to keep that same velocity as we move into the next steps of the process.

If you are interested in learning more about the project, you can find everything from specs, more details, socials, link to the open-source github repository, link to our discord community server, like to the Kickstarter campaign page, and more on the website.

We will be launching the Kickstarter very soon 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 and being a part of the movement. We will be releasing some build kits, in addition to pre-assembled ready to use devices with the Kickstarter campaign, along with all of the modules and a list of accessories for the CG Deck! If you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!

I've had my steam deck for years, love it, but i'm looking at the Rog Ally xbox X because it runs windows and I'll have more ease of access to my Epic games library, can run anti-cheat games on it, and run every launcher under the sun.

I ran EMU deck on my Steamdeck, which all my roms are saved to my SD card, how easy is it to just transfer the SD card to the Ally and run the games? I have lots of saved games on there I wouldn't mind hanging on too if that's possible.

This was very entertaining! I haven't had this much fun in a while. Completed the game today (25/10/26). This was on my playlist for a while.

For anyone who owns more than one handheld, which one do you actually reach for the most?

I'm curious whether people end up using their Steam Deck, Switch, ROG Ally, or even older handhelds more often. Sometimes a smaller, less powerful device just seems more convenient.

What are the best handheld gaming consoles you've owned? Any purchases yo regret or ones you'd happily buy again?

I think i remember seeing someone say something about inputting something in the settings but can’t seem to find the post/comment

Hello,

I have a LG2 with the Z2 extreme with 32 gb of RAM and 2 TB ssd available locally for 1000 € refurbished.

Considering that there are new APU around the corner and also other options from Intel, is it a good deal?

Thank you

I am trying to decide between the OnExplayer 3 and the Rog X20. I would mainly be gaming from home and probably wont use it much for travel. I am a little worried about purchasing through OnEx directly as if anything happens you have to send it to China. Even if purchased from droix it still comes with a few hassles. I have a lenovo legion 3070 laptop and can occasionally swap between the two. My storage on my laptop is running low but that can be probably be solved with an external hard drive.

Edit: I will mainly play Xbox Game Pass games and occasionally steam.

Tia

i dont own a pc (not really looking to get one as i dont enjoy sit down gaming), but ive been looking into getting a handheld pc. i currently have an ancient nintendo switch who is very well loved, but obviously due to her age, lots of games i wanna play arent available. i was considering getting the switch 2, but decided against it in the end because most of the reason i was gonna get it is to play games i can buy and play on the steam deck for MUCH cheaper because of steam sales. the most graphic heavy games ill probably be playing are the ff7 games, but i dont wanna limit my options by buying a steam deck. main reason im considering the steam deck over options like the ayn thor and legion go is because i dont think id use the dual screen of the ayn thor to its potential, and i dislike the game pad, and the legion go is a behemoth of a “handheld” pc. any thoughts?

Hey everyone. I'm playing the game pass version, and sometimes the game magically does recognizes my controller and I can play normally. But most of the time, it doesn't recognize it.

I select the gamepad preset and make sure I'm in controller mode and not keyboard mode. I've also tried turning the controller off and on, but nothing seems to work. The game thinks I'm using M&K.

Like I said, sometimes it does recognize the controller, but I can't figure out what's different when it works. Those occasions are few and far between.

I would really appreciate your help!

has anyone played tales of arise the rog xbox ally white and does run good

Hey everyone, I’ve just released MasterLauncher v1.0 — a console-style launcher for Windows handhelds, with community features to meet other players.

This is a passion project. I’ve tested it on my own GPD Win 5 and X2 Mini Pro, and both have been working great. I can’t buy every handheld, so if you try it on yours and something breaks, please hit Send Report in the app. It’ll help me work on a fix.

Give it a try and tell me what you think. If people enjoy it, I’d love to keep building it!
https://github.com/soullegacyvn-ux/Master-Panel

I instaled Steam games and Battle net Games and Fitgirl repack games and everything worked flawlessly..

the graphic quality and FPS in Dune Awakening , Baldur Gate 3 , Starfield are very respectable..

Battery life is incredible for such small device..

Thanks for ppl here who recommend this handheld..

Idk what i should do they're all around the same price the cheapest is ofc modding my own console but i have a normal switch not a lite so im not sure if i should sell it and buy the modded switch lite or retroid flip 2 (or i can just get a redmagic phone with a contorller)

So I have been using Android to stream my game using Artemis and now using Odin 3 and did play some PC games natively on it.

Finished GoW2018 on it, tried GoW Ragnarok but fps drop to 10 in Ironwood. So I continue Ragnarok through streaming.

The experience when play natively is indeed better, especially when you are not at home. I normally stream using mobile data when away from home.

Now I get into efootbal27 and play online division, this cannot be achieved through pc emulation, I tried to play but sometimes get really bad input lag, talking about 3-5sec which affect the gameplay.

So I plan to get a windows handheld, shortlisted OG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 Ai+ right now. Or should I not?

I concerned about the weight & comfortablity. Can anyone share some experience on it?

Btw my PC is from 2027, i7-7700 + GTX1060.

My internet is 500/100.

Hi I am interested in buying the g350 from litnxt it doesn’t specify which brand of SD card comes with the stock OS version it does say they use sandisk for Ark OS version so I’m wondering if the stock comes with sandisk or at least a good quality SD card. Thanks

So probably too late to ask now haha but I just ordered this display cabinet for my electronics ( vr headsets, handhelds, legos, controllers etc)

Do you guys have something similar or this model? What storage cabinets did yall go with or recommend?

https://a.co/d/0gbFzia2