REMOVE AND UPGRADE YOUR DECK’S SSD

1 Battery Storage mode

Before opening, Valve recommends enabling Battery Storage mode for safety; the Steam Deck won’t respond to power button presses. Plug the Deck into the charger and power it down. Hold down the volume-up (+) button and press the power button. Release both buttons. Using the D-Pad and A button, select Setup Utility > Power Menu > Battery Storage Mode.

2 Unscrew the Steam Deck

Unscrew the eight screws on the back of the Steam Deck. The four inner screws are shorter while the four outer screws are longer. Remembering this helps when putting the system back together. Use a seam splitter or a sturdy piece of plastic to open the Steam Deck. Don’t use anything metal because you want to avoid damaging the handheld.

3 Remove the inner metal sheet

Next, you have to remove the metal sheet covering the SSD. This has up to four screws – ours had three. There’s one screw on the top-left and two screws on the bottom. You’ll find another screw hidden beneath a sticker on the upper-right. Peel the sticker back to expose the screw but don’t completely remove the sticker because you have to put it back down later.

4 Unplug the battery?

As we’re using Battery Storage mode, this step is optional as it won’t accidentally power on, but for extra safety, you can unplug the battery. It is slotted in tightly but you should remove it by hand instead of with a tool. Use your fingernail or the edge of your pry tool to slowly pull the battery out. Don’t rush this part because you could easily damage the battery.