Million Dollar Replicator

 The million-dollar Steam Deck error by Dbrand is both humorous and intriguing.

This week, owners of Steam Decks were expected to be able to order a new case from the brand. 

Sadly, Project Killswitch's problems prevented the case from starting. 

Following a brief statement on Twitter, the brand wrote a larger Reddit post outlining the "million-dollar error."

The bullet points following, which were revealed in the company's Reddit post on the matter, can be skipped if you're simply interested in what would happen if you ordered a case from the brand. 

After the list, we'll get into the specifics of what caused the issues. 

The long and short of it is that customers who ordered a Killswitch can choose between receiving a refund or a replacement.

Plans for Project Killswitch by brand

All orders ordered as of right now are still shipping.

We're switching the kickstand's magnetic mount for a mechanical interlock method (and all future accessories). 

Our current production lines will need to be retooled, which will take some time.

Every single client who purchased a magnetic Killswitch will receive a complimentary case and kickstand replacement once the retooling is finished. 

These should be despatched in January, as planned. These upgrades will work flawlessly with the current Tempered Glass, Travel Cover, Skin, and Stick grip. 

You do not need to send the magnetic version back after you have your replacement.

You might be asking why we're changing each and every one of them rather than simply the ones that directly affect Delta fan owners.

While only units with a Delta fan appear to be affected by this problem, it might be difficult to identify which fan you really have. 

Even if you are confident that you have a Delta fan, you may not even be aware of the problem since, in a low-RPM situation, the fan motor has enough headroom to compensate for the magnetic interference from the kickstand.

This is what we think was going on with The Verge's first results. 

It's possible that the Delta fan used by that editor briefly slowed down when the kickstand was mounted, causing the fan to kick higher into the intended curve and compensate excessively with the available overhead motor.

Any self-diagnosis might ultimately result in the false conclusion that you are a Huaying enthusiast. 

We'd rather just replace every unit in place to be secure and to fully accept the ambiguity in this situation.

Because of the aforementioned, we do not suggest utilizing the magnetic kickstand, whether or not you own a Huaying fan. 

Instead, feel free to keep it as a reminder of our failure on your refrigerator.

Again, everything is okay to use EXCEPT the kickstand.

The magnets used to fasten a kickstand to the casing are the main source of issues with Project Killswitch. 

The Steam Deck's fan was being slowed down by the case's magnetic kickstand, The Verge noted. 

The publication talked with the brand, and the two collaborated to identify the odd issue's root cause, with some assistance from well-known YouTuber Dave2D.

The Delta fan was seen being impacted by the Killswitch kickstand in a video posted by The Verge.

It appears that only Steam Deck machines with a Delta fan are impacted by the magnetic kickstand. 

The issue is that without opening their Steam Deck, users are unable to determine if their device uses a Huaying fan (which appears to be unaffected by the magnets) or a Delta fan. 

It is not realistic to require individuals to do that, thus all orders are being handled equally instead.

The Project Killswitch Steam Deck is shielded by a casing, grips, and other parts. 

Except for the magnetic mount for the kickstand, no component of a Killswitch case should have an impact on your Steam Deck, even if it includes a Delta fan.

In the future, the brand will abandon a magnetic mount in favor of a mechanical interlock mechanism. 

Regardless of whether their Steam Deck is impacted by the magnetic mount, anybody who bought a case from the brand will receive a new Killswitch.

Orders placed prior to the Sunday private launch are eligible for a new case and kickstand or a refund.

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