Valve confirms Steam Deck is upgradable if you're feeling brave

Valve confirms Steam Deck is upgradable if yous're feeling brave

(Image credit: Valve)

Valve has confirmed that the storage on all three models of the Steam Deck can be replaced for repairability reasons, but has stressed that it's simply for people "who know what they're doing."

Valve hardware engineer Yazan Aldehayyat revealed the blueprint determination to IGN, stating that the SSD is not soldered to the motherboard, which means it can exist replaced or even upgraded by people with the right tools. "We are using a standard M.2 NVMe SSD in there. Information technology's a separate module – we went against the trend of putting it directly on the motherboard."

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But conspicuously this isn't something that Valve is encouraging buyers to do for casual upgrades, with repairability being the focus. "The repairability is something we did actually focus on and try to make it equally repairable as possible," Aldehayyat connected. "But, it's really meant for people who know what they're doing, and have experience doing it."

How difficult will that be? Well, Valve'due south Pierre-Loup Griffais reportedly shed some calorie-free on this betoken on Discord:

Still, this does potentially leave the door open to buyers who pre-ordered the $399 model with 64GB of slower eMMC to improve the Steam Deck at a afterwards engagement. Valve'south own specs sheet folio states that "all models utilise socketed 2230 1000.two modules (not intended for end-user replacement)."

But before you abolish your pre-lodge, there are a few reasons why upgrading might non exist the nigh sensible fashion forward.

Non but does Valve say that switching SSDs is intended for experts, but it seems probable that cracking open your brand new Steam Deck could touch on your warranty, as Griffais highlighted above. Given the ongoing outcome Nintendo has with Joy Con migrate (something Valve is confident won't be an issue with Steam Deck), information technology might be wise to ensure your warranty status can't be questioned in the future, should any other issues ascend.

Secondly, the M.ii 2230 drives required aren't hugely widespread, and can prove pretty expensive – effectually $200 for a TB. Granted, per GB, that's non as expensive as the equivalent jump in Steam Deck from 64GB to 256/512GB, but it's withal pricey enough to alter the cost/benefit analysis of making the switch.

Finally, and perhaps near chiefly, if you've already secured a 256- or 512GB Steam Deck for this year, then cancelling the guild and switching to the entry-level version will involve rejoining the queue at the very back. And reservations placed for the 64GB model today are now expected to send "after Q2 2022."

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Freelance correspondent Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, yous'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.