As a PC gamer, you’ve seemingly already felt the ache that’s the ever-increasing file dimension of at the moment’s video games—Baldur’s Gate 3 and Pink 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.
Enormous file sizes don’t should be an annoyance, nonetheless. 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’ll be able to spend much less time swapping out microSD playing cards and video games and extra time truly taking part in them.
Putting in a brand new M.2 SSD within the Steam Deck isn’t too exhausting, however if you happen to’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 Suitable Drive and Prep Your Deck
Earlier than you buy an SSD, you’ll need to be certain it’s suitable along with your Steam Deck. Each fashions take the 2230 model of the M.2 NVMe SSD, which is its most compact type issue—good 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 need 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 unique Steam Deck. When you’ve got the OLED, you’ll additionally have to get a star screwdriver (like the T6 on this multitool choice) to take away the screws on the again panel and internally. As soon as you have put in the brand new SSD, you may have to 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 certain the area you’re utilizing is nicely lit and ideally clear of something like mud and pet hair. Then, examine 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 gadget, then shut it down.
When you’ve got 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 putting your Steam Deck upside-down in its case.
