Absolute Masochism: Gaming with iPods on the Steam Deck
In a bizarre turn of events, a daring gamer has taken the unconventional route of using a pair of old iPods as controllers for their Steam Deck. The result? A gaming experience that can only be described as uniquely challenging and somewhat masochistic.
Don’t do this. For the love of Gabe, don’t grab a couple of janky old iPods out of your tech-hoarder’s box of old tat and plumb them into your Steam Deck. And definitely don’t use them to play Skyrim in the most awkward, hamfisted way since someone last used a baby-doll-in-a-blender to try and beat Dark Souls.
The Fascination with Steam Deck’s Customizability
The Steam Deck, known for bringing handheld gaming PCs into the mainstream, has not only captured the attention of gamers but also of tinkerers. Its affordability and open nature have encouraged users to explore unconventional modifications, such as using old iPods as controllers.
It’s an eminently affordable gaming device that has been made almost as open as a standard PC, inviting users to push the boundaries of traditional gaming setups.
An unconventional gaming setup
The Quirky Setup Process
The gamer, known as nekomichi, detailed the process of getting the iPods to function as controllers for the Steam Deck. By installing the Rockbox custom firmware on both iPods, they were able to utilize them as USB input devices, each serving a unique purpose in the gameplay experience.
“The iPod Mini on the left is acting as a mouse cursor controlled by the four directional keys with the centre button acting as a left click (attack),” explained nekomichi. “The iPod 4th generation on the right is acting as a multimedia controller, with fast forward acting as taking a step forward and rewind as taking a step back.”
A Masochistic Gaming Experience
Despite the technical ingenuity behind the setup, the gameplay experience with the iPod controllers proved to be far from conventional. The limitations of the firmware required continuous button mashing to perform basic actions, adding an extra layer of challenge to every gaming session.
While the setup was tested in games like Skyrim and Sleeping Dogs, it was noted that the functionality was more practical in certain titles than others, highlighting the quirky and experimental nature of the gaming setup.
Embracing Unconventional Gaming
The gaming community’s penchant for experimentation and customization knows no bounds, as seen in endeavors like using old iPods as controllers for modern gaming devices. While the practicality may be questionable, the sheer creativity and innovation displayed in such projects add a unique flavor to the gaming landscape.
So, the next time you’re looking to spice up your gaming experience, perhaps consider thinking outside the box - or in this case, outside the iPod.
Stay tuned for more unconventional gaming adventures and tech experiments in the world of portable play.
