As a PC gamer, you’ve probably already felt the ache that’s the ever-increasing file measurement of at present’s video games—Baldur’s Gate 3 and Pink Useless Redemption 2 are every round 150 gigabytes, for instance. These large video games develop into much more of a problem on transportable consoles like Valve’s Steam Deck.
Big file sizes don’t need to be an annoyance, nevertheless. Whether or not you opted for the 64, 256, or 512 GB variations of Valve’s handheld gaming laptop, or are contemplating getting the brand new Steam Deck OLED in both the 512 GB or 1 TB configuration, the solid-state drive contained in the console is upgradeable. By including a bigger capability drive to the Steam Deck’s inner SSD slot, you possibly can spend much less time swapping out microSD playing cards and video games and extra time really enjoying them.
Putting in a brand new M.2 SSD within the Steam Deck isn’t too laborious, however should you’re not a do-it-yourself PC individual, you might discover it difficult (particularly for the OLED mannequin). We’re right here to information you step-by-step via the method—for each the unique Deck and the OLED version. Belief us, it’s well worth the effort.
Step 1: Choose a Appropriate Drive and Prep Your Deck
Earlier than you buy an SSD, you’ll wish to be sure that it’s appropriate together with your Steam Deck. Each fashions take the 2230 model of the M.2 NVMe SSD, which is its most compact type issue—excellent for becoming within the confined areas of the Steam Deck’s internals.
For this information, I am utilizing the WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe™ SSD, which is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and a couple of TB storage capacities. To maintain your new SSD cool and operating optimally, you’ll additionally wish to get a warmth sink. I opted for this copper choice with thermal pads, which additionally comes with all the instruments you’ll want to put in the SSD within the authentic Steam Deck. You probably have the OLED, you’ll additionally have to get a star screwdriver (just like the T6 on this multitool choice) to take away the screws on the again panel and internally. As soon as you’ve got put in the brand new SSD, you will have to load it with the correct software program, which requires some further {hardware} like a pc, a flash drive, a wired keyboard, and a USB hub.
Earlier than you begin taking your Deck aside, be sure that the house you’re utilizing is effectively lit and ideally clear of something like mud and pet hair. Then, test to see if it’s operating the most recent software program by going to Settings > System > Software program Updates and hitting the Test For Updates button. Replace the machine, then shut it down.
You probably have a microSD card within the slot, take away this earlier than you proceed. Then, to avoid wasting your joysticks and forestall your console from shifting round when you work, I like to recommend inserting your Steam Deck upside-down in its case.
