Embracing Retro: A PC Gamer’s Creative Spin on Physical Gaming with SSD Cartridges

In the ongoing battle between console and PC gaming, one of the standout perks for console enthusiasts has been the ability to snag physical copies of their favorite games. However, as PlayStation gears up to ditch discs by 2028, that edge is starting to fade. But wait—one innovative PC gamer is bringing the nostalgia of physical games back to life on Steam with a unique twist: custom SSD cartridges!

Meet Jibril-sama, who shared his ingenious project on Reddit. After scoring some bargain 2.5″ SSDs, he decided to craft a Game Cartridge system. His setup allows games to be stored on these SSDs, complete with a nifty script that navigates directly to the game’s Steam page. Imagine plugging in a cartridge and having the game launch automatically—how cool is that?

In a video showcasing his cartridges, each one flaunts custom artwork and a sleek design. When Jibril-sama connects one to his dock, his game pops up in an instant. While this setup may not be the most practical (we’ll dive into that), it’s undeniably impressive!

The system operates on Linux and requires a simple systemd template to check the SSD for a script that helps launch the game. Jibril-sama breaks it down: “Plug in SSD → udev rule detects the event → triggers the systemd daemon → daemon finds and executes the script.” Sounds like tech magic, doesn’t it?

Now, you might wonder how he managed to score so many SSDs without breaking the bank. Surprisingly, he landed 128GB drives for just €7 each—definitely a steal in today’s storage market!

While this cartridge idea brings a fun retro vibe, it’s worth noting that you can easily set up an external USB drive for your Steam library without all the flashy cartridges. This method is a straightforward solution for anyone out of space on their main drive, although it lacks the thrill of plugging in individual games.

Jibril-sama does acknowledge a key limitation: “You still don’t really ‘own’ the games on Steam.” Players are still tied to Valve’s online authentication to play their titles, which means this creative approach doesn’t quite replace the traditional ownership that physical media offers. Nonetheless, it’s a fun and personal project that adds a bit of flair to modern gaming.

As we watch PlayStation move further into a digital-only future, projects like these remind us of the charm and excitement of physical gaming, even in a world dominated by downloads.