Cyberdecks are having a moment, rejecting big tech surveillance with style and substance

DIY hardware communities are seeing renewed interest as creators share custom cyberdecks, solar-powered game emulators, pocket ereaders, and clamshell purse computers online. The trend blends retro-futurist design with a desire for more personal, hackable devices outside mainstream tech ecosystems.

The resurgence points to growing unease with big tech surveillance and locked-down consumer hardware. While niche, cyberdecks reflect a broader maker movement toward repairability, customization, and digital self-reliance.

Over the last few months, these DIY hardware communities have exploded in popularity as people on social media show off their solar-powered game emulators, pocket-sized ereaders, and clamshell purse computers.