Everyone seems to be talking about cyberdecks, which is a phrase that hasn't been this popular since William Gibson coined it in his 1984 novel *Neuromancer*. For those who missed the memo, Gibson also invented the terms "cyberspace" and "the matrix" - apparently one man was responsible for giving hackers their entire vocabulary. In the book, console cowboys used cyberdecks: custom-built, rectangular computers with red and green LEDs to jack into cyberspace. Similar devices have also popped up in *Blade Runner*, *Mad Max*, and *Alien*, proving that dystopian futures have a surprisingly consistent aesthetic.
Fast forward to 2026, and people are building these things for real. But what exactly is a cyberdeck? According to the author, who is careful not to offend the maker community, it's basically a portable computer that can be whatever you want it to be. It usually looks cyberpunk/retro/dystopian/post-apocalyptic - but it doesn't have to. You could build one inside an Altoids tin or Grandma's biscuit tin, if that's your vibe. Or you could buy an off-the-shelf system and make it look cool, but if you post it on Reddit, don't be surprised if someone memes you for it.
The author built their own cyberdeck (they put that in quotes because it was originally just a tool) out of an overclocked Raspberry Pi running Kali Linux, a Debian-based distro for penetration testing, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. They recently upgraded from a Pi 4 to a Pi 5, which meant replacing the touch screen and upgrading the Wi-Fi. Yes, they could have bought something off-the-shelf that would work just as well - maybe better - but they're super pleased with the result. It's fast, versatile, and highly reliable, even if they haven't gotten around to making a custom case yet.
If you want to build your own, you'll need a single-board computer (SBC). The author recommends a Raspberry Pi 4, 5, or Zero 2 for beginners, because parts and accessories are abundant. You'll also need a display - the standard Raspberry Pi touchscreen or a PiSugar Whisplay HAT - and a tiny Bluetooth keyboard, ideally with a built-in trackpad. Power options include 18650 lithium-ion batteries with a controller board, a board with a built-in battery, or a small power bank. Cases can be off-the-shelf, repurposed (like a tin box), or 3D-printed from hundreds of designs available online.
Ready-made systems exist too, but they're not cheap. You could grab a Raspberry Pi 500 and add a display, or try a Cardputer - one of the tiniest systems the author has used. Then there's the Flipper Zero, a real-life hacking tool, and the upcoming Flipper One, which looks "absolutely incredible." Ultimately, it depends on what you want your cyberdeck to do and how much you want to spend. Need a tool for a job? There are cheaper, easier off-the-shelf options. But if you want a tool that's fun to build, looks cool, and is still practical - or if you just want to live out your console cowboy fantasy - a cyberdeck might be exactly what you need.