Valve shares teardown of Steam Deck handheld and starts selling parts

Valve has published a teardown of the Steam Deck handheld console. The company advises users not to open the handheld themselves, but did want to share what’s inside. The company will also sell spare parts such as thumbsticks.

The video begins with a warning about why users should not open the device. For example, the device is not designed to be opened by consumers; users could damage the battery, for example, resulting in an explosion hazard. In addition, not all parts are simply replaceable. For example, the thumbsticks are custom and placing any other SSD can disrupt Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, among other things. Also, the console’s structural integrity is irrevocably compromised when it’s opened, says Valve.

Despite the mentioned dangers, the console is relatively easy to open. For example, there are eight screws of two different sizes on the back of the console. After removing these screws, the handheld can be opened. Here, users immediately see the battery, fan and multiple PCBs. The thumbsticks are located in the top left and right corners, which are easy to replace. The entire module, including stick and pcb, is custom and can be replaced in one go.

Then Valve shows how to replace the SSD. All models include an M.2 slot, including the cheaper 64GB model with eMMC storage. To get to the SSD, users must first remove a shield. Then they can place an SSD with 2230 format. Valve warns that any SSD other than the original disk can lead to problems, for example because it requires more energy from the console, or because it interferes with the WiFi and Bluetooth module more than the original SSD.

Valve wants to sell parts for the Steam Deck in the future. The company is now thinking of thumbsticks and SSDs anyway, “and maybe more.” It is not yet known where, when and at what price these parts will be sold. The first deliveries of the Steam Deck will begin in December. The handheld costs 419 euros, has an AMD apu with Zen 2 cores and an RDNA 2 gpu, and can run Windows games.