It is painful to want to install a new game on a 64 GB Steam Deck, only to find that you have already run out of storage if you are one of the many who happen to own one. A 32GB and 64GB model of the Nintendo Switch can be handled easily, but a Steam Deck with such a low amount of memory seems almost criminal. Thankfully, 2230 SSDs are coming down in price fairly rapidly, so what better way to spend your afternoon than swapping out your SSD in your Steam Deck? So let’s get into the teardown and figure out what we need.
Tools Of The Trade: What Do You Need To Swap An SSD In A Steam Deck
There are a few tools you’ll need if you want to take a crack at it:
- Steam Deck
- A 2230 SSD (any storage size)
- Phillips Head Screwdriver, Size #0 (Magnetic, if possible)
- Small Pliers/Tweezers
- Storage Receptical for Screws
- OEM Steam Deck Case
- Credit Card/Plastic Pry Tool
- USB Flash Drive
- USB Type A to USB Type C Converter
- Windows, Mac, or Linux Computer
After you’ve got everything ready and in front of you, let’s move forward. Also, please note:
If you have a Micro SD card in your Steam Deck, remove it before starting this process, or it may snap in half. You should also turn off your Steam Deck before continuing further. Prima Games is not responsible for any damages to your Steam Deck or Accessories during this process. Proceed at your own risk.
Step One: Remove The Back Cover Of The Steam Deck
The first thing you’ll need to do is place your Steam Deck face down in the carrying case and remove the 8 screws on the back. As shown in the photo above, short screws are circled in red, while long screws are circled in blue. When all screws have been removed, it’s time to pry it open.
Starting up near the Triggers, you’ll want to wedge your prying tool of choice into the cracks between the back and front and start prying it apart using the Credit Card/Plastic Pry Tool. You’ll have to struggle at first, but once the clasps loosen up, pulling off the back becomes much easier.
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It may be possible to pop the back off with a fingernail, but don’t try it if you don’t want to damage your nails. The plastic is tougher than you may expect, so only do this if you have taken it apart before.