With PlayStation set to end physical disc production for new releases in 2028, the convenience of tangible media is becoming a relic of the past. However, one PC gamer is fighting back against the all-digital tide with a clever, albeit highly impractical, DIY project: physical, SSD-based cartridges for Steam games.

Reddit user Jibril-sama recently showcased their custom-built system, which uses repurposed 2.5-inch SSDs as physical game cartridges. Each drive is housed in a custom casing featuring game art, turning a standard digital library into a shelf-ready collection. When plugged into a dedicated dock, the system automatically detects the drive and launches the corresponding game on Steam.

How the Cartridge System Works

The setup is surprisingly technical, relying on a Linux-based environment to bridge the gap between hardware and software. According to Jibril-sama, the process involves a specific automation workflow:

  • Trigger: A udev rule detects when the SSD is plugged into the dock.
  • Execution: The event triggers a systemd daemon.
  • Launch: The daemon scans the SSD, locates a pre-written script, and executes it to auto-navigate Steam to the game's page or launch it directly.

The creator managed to source the 128GB SSDs for just €7 each, making the project surprisingly affordable despite the specialized hardware assembly required.

The Reality of Physical PC Gaming

While the project is a hit on social media, the creator readily admits it isn't a true solution for game preservation. Because the games are still tied to the Steam platform, they require Valve’s online authentication to function. You are not actually gaining ownership of the software in the way you might with a classic cartridge—you are simply creating a tactile interface for a digital storefront.

For those looking for a more practical way to manage storage without the custom dock, designating an external USB drive as a Steam library folder remains the standard, albeit less cinematic, alternative. While it lacks the satisfaction of physically clicking a cartridge into a slot, it serves the same purpose of keeping your library organized outside of your main system drive.

As Sony and other publishers continue to lean into digital-only ecosystems, projects like Jibril-sama’s serve as a reminder that some players still crave the tangible experience of a physical collection, even if they have to build it themselves.