Gamer Turns Steam Games into Cartridges Using 2.5-inch SSDs

A PC enthusiast from the PCMR community has unveiled an unconventional solution for running Steam games from external drives. Dubbed Steam Game Cartridge, the system mimics console cartridges but replaces them with 2.5-inch SSDs. Each drive stores a single game along with a script that automatically launches it through Steam upon connection to a PC.

The project's creator, Jibril-sama, sourced several used 128GB SSDs for roughly €7 each. These drives were customized with colored cases and branded stickers to resemble cartridges. The system relies on a SATA dock and Linux-based software that leverages udev and systemd to detect the connected drive and launch the game without user intervention.

The community has responded positively to the idea, though questions have arisen about compatibility with games requiring frequent updates. The creator clarified that the cartridges are primarily intended for projects revisited occasionally, not live-service titles. Updates are handled via the standard Steam client, after which the game can be launched again from the drive.

While the project remains in the prototype stage, the creator has not ruled out sharing detailed instructions and scripts for replication. This could appeal to gamers looking to optimize game storage and relive the nostalgic experience of using cartridges.