As a PC gamer, you’ve probably already felt the ache that’s the ever-increasing file dimension of at this time’s video games—Baldur’s Gate 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are every round 150 gigabytes, for instance. These large video games turn into much more of a trouble on transportable consoles like Valve’s Steam Deck.

Huge file sizes don’t need to be an annoyance, nevertheless. Whether 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 possibly can spend much less time swapping out microSD playing cards and video games and extra time truly enjoying them.

Installing a brand new M.2 SSD within the Steam Deck isn’t too exhausting, however when you’re not a do-it-yourself PC particular person, 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. Trust us, it’s well worth the effort.

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Step 1: Pick a Compatible Drive and Prep Your Deck

Before you buy an SSD, you’ll need to be sure it’s appropriate together with your Steam Deck. Both 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’m utilizing the WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe™ SSD, which is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB storage capacities. To hold your new SSD cool and operating optimally, you’ll additionally need to get a warmth sink. I opted for this copper option with thermal pads, which additionally comes with the entire instruments you’ll want to put in the SSD within the unique Steam Deck. If you might have the OLED, you’ll additionally have to get a star screwdriver (like the T6 in this multitool option) to take away the screws on the again panel and internally. Once 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.

Before you begin taking your Deck aside, be sure 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 operating the newest software program by going to Settings > System > Software Updates and hitting the Check For Updates button. Update the gadget, then shut it down.

If you might 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 whilst you work, I like to recommend putting your Steam Deck upside-down in its case.