As a PC gamer, you’ve possible already felt the ache that’s the ever-increasing file measurement of immediately’s video games—Baldur’s Gate 3 and Purple Useless Redemption 2 are every round 150 gigabytes, for instance. These big video games turn into much more of a problem on moveable consoles like Valve’s Steam Deck.
Large file sizes don’t need to be an annoyance, nonetheless. Whether or not you opted for the 64, 256, or 512 GB variations of Valve’s handheld gaming pc, 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’ll be able to spend much less time swapping out microSD playing cards and video games and extra time really taking part in them.
Putting in a brand new M.2 SSD within the Steam Deck isn’t too onerous, however should you’re not a do-it-yourself PC particular person, you could 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 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 pair of TB storage capacities. To maintain your new SSD cool and working optimally, you’ll additionally wish to get a warmth sink. I opted for this copper possibility with thermal pads, which additionally comes with the entire instruments you’ll want to put in the SSD within the unique Steam Deck. If in case you have the OLED, you’ll additionally must get a star screwdriver (just like the T6 on this multitool possibility) to take away the screws on the again panel and internally. As soon as you have put in the brand new SSD, you may must load it with the right 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 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 working the newest software program by going to Settings > System > Software program Updates and hitting the Test For Updates button. Replace the system, then shut it down.
If in case you have a microSD card within the slot, take away this earlier than you proceed. Then, to save lots of your joysticks and forestall your console from shifting round when you work, I like to recommend putting your Steam Deck upside-down in its case.
