Valve Says You Shouldn't Pry Open Your Steam Deck GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Gaming
Valve Says You Shouldn't Pry Open Your Steam Deck
But if you do, there are a few things you should know
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on October 7, 2021 01:30PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Gaming Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Valve has detailed how to open the Steam Deck to replace the thumbsticks and the SSD, and explains why you probably shouldn't try it yourself. Some folks love to open their PCs to improve performance, increase storage space, and so on—and Valve understands this. It knows there will be some users who want to open their Steam Deck to swap out some components, so it's released a video going over the basics of how to remove the thumbsticks and the SSD. It's also strongly cautioning against any of this. Valve According to Valve, the Steam Deck has been designed with specific parts in mind, with no intention for user-swapped parts. However, it acknowledges that user replacements are still possible, but could result in all kinds of hardware issues. For example, the SSD was specifically chosen because of its location in the hardware and the parts surrounding it. Therefore, swapping in a different SSD could result in overheating, battery drain, and other problems. There was, however, mention of a "source for replacement parts" being made available sometime in the coming months, so you won't necessarily have to retrofit anything. Valve Simply opening the case in the first place can cause issues, as well. Valve stated that the process could damage the screws and housing. The screws could end up getting stripped, the case could crack, and even if nothing breaks, it will still weaken the unit's structural integrity and reduce its drop resistance. Also, the battery could catch fire if it sustains damage. The most important message from Valve in all of this is to avoid opening your Steam Deck unless you're experienced with performing similar tasks on other devices. You don't want to void your warranty and potentially damage your $400-plus handheld gaming PC for nothing, right? Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Add Extra Storage to Steam Deck How to Install Windows on Steam Deck How to Connect Steam Deck to a TV How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck How to Use External Controllers on Steam Deck How to Connect Steam Deck to a PC What Is a Steam Deck? The 10 Best Games for Steam Deck of 2022 The 7 Best Mini PCs for Gaming in 2022 How to Install a Tire Pressure Monitoring System Three Ways to Find Your SteamID How to Fix the Steam Disk Write Error How to Fix Xbox One Controller Drift How to Add and Use an External Hard Drive with Xbox Series X or S How to Gift Money on Steam How to Install a Second SSD Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies