Don’t destroy your Steam Deck like we did — use the new official repair and upgrade toolkit from iFixit
A new toolkit from iFixit has everything you need to open up and upgrade your Steam Deck.
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What you need to know
Valve’sSteam Deckis a popular gaming handheld that lets you take your favorite titles on the go. You can also dock it and connect it to a TV or monitor for a gaming experience you can move around your home. While the Steam Deck has everything you need to get started out of the box, you may want to upgrade your console. To help with any upgrades or repairs, iFixit now sells aSteam Deck Toolkit for $12.95.
The tools in the kit allow you to upgrade your console’s storage or replace its fan, depending on the model Steam Deck you own. Here is what you get in the Steam Deck Toolkit, as outlined by iFixit:
If you plan toupgrade your Steam Deck’s SSD, make sure to have a USB-C flash drive ready as well.
If you do want to upgrade or repair your Steam Deck, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the device and the steps you’ll need to take. Our Jennifer Youngdestroyed her Steam Deckwhen trying to swap its shell. Young noted that she is “barely capable of fitting a lightbulb unaided,” so you may have more success than her.
Steam Deck Tookit | $12.95 at iFixit
This kit has all the tools you need to open your Steam Deck for repairs or upgrades, such as swapping your console’s SSD or fan.
Best way to upgrade Steam Deck
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The Steam Deck has been one of thebest gaming handheldssince it launched, but there are a few things you can do to improve or change your experience on the PCgaming handheld. Some of those are on the software side of things, such asinstalling Windows on Steam Deck(which some would consider a downgrade). Others are on the hardware side of things and require tools, such as the new kit from iFixit.
Games continue to grow in size. If you have a few of thebest Steam Deck games, you could fill your console’s storage easily. Because of that, upgrading the SSD of the Steam Deck is a popular way people tinker with the device. Being able to upgrade the SSD yourself also makes it possible to purchase a more budget-friendly version of the Steam Deck and then expand your system’s storage when you can afford to.
In addition to swapping out your SSD, you can improve your handheld console with thebest Steam Deck accessories. A docking station, skin, or a gaming keyboard can go a long way when trying to get the best portable gaming experience.
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WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe 1TB SSD |was $129.99now $109.99 at Best Buy
Increase the internal SSD storage space of your compatible gaming handheld with this upgrade that can reach fast read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s. You’ll need to open your device, remove the original SSD, and then install this one in the Steam Deck. It’s available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.Buy 1TB version at:Best Buy|Western DigitalBuy 2TB version at:Best Buy|Western Digital
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.