You can replace the Steam Deck’s internal SSD with a bigger one. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes, a small screwdriver and some patience. You’ll need to reinstall SteamOS afterwards, so back up anything that isn’t saved to Steam Cloud first.
How this post was made: researched and written with Claude, an AI assistant, checked against the sources linked in this post, and overseen by Nersing Pradhan. How we make NP Handhelds
If opening your Deck sounds stressful, a fast microSD card is the easy alternative. See our microSD card picks.
Which SSD to buy
Every Steam Deck model, LCD and OLED, uses a short M.2 2230 NVMe SSD. That’s the size to buy.
- Stick to 2230. Some guides suggest longer 2242 drives with the end cut off or bent. Valve advises against it, and it’s not worth the risk.
- Pick a known brand. Look for a 2230 drive from a well-known maker with good reviews and a warranty.
- Capacity: 1 TB is the sweet spot for most people. 2 TB drives exist, but cost much more.
The Deck can’t use the full speed of the newest PCIe 4.0 drives, but they work fine and are often the easiest to find.
What you need
- The new M.2 2230 SSD.
- A small Phillips screwdriver that fits the Deck’s back screws. iFixit’s Steam Deck guides list the exact size for your model.
- A plastic opening pick or an old plastic card.
- A USB drive of at least 8 GB and a PC, to make a SteamOS recovery drive.
- A USB-C hub or adapter to plug the USB drive into the Deck.
Step 1: Make a recovery drive
Download the Steam Deck recovery image from Valve’s recovery instructions page and write it to your USB drive, following Valve’s steps for Windows, macOS or Linux. You’ll use it to install SteamOS on the new SSD.
Step 2: Put the Deck into battery storage mode
With the Deck switched off, hold Volume Up and press the Power button to open the boot menu. Choose Setup Utility, then Power, then Battery Storage Mode. The Deck shuts down and stops drawing power from the battery until you plug in a charger. That makes the next steps safer.
Step 3: Swap the SSD
Follow iFixit’s step-by-step guide for your exact model, because the LCD and OLED versions are built differently. In outline:
- Remove the microSD card, then the screws on the back cover.
- Use the pick to release the back cover’s clips, working around the edges slowly.
- Remove the metal shield over the board and disconnect the battery, as the guide shows.
- Remove the screw holding the SSD, slide the old drive out, and move its protective sleeve or shielding onto the new one if your model has it.
- Fit the new SSD, then put everything back in reverse order.
Take photos as you go, and keep the screws in order. Some are different lengths.
Step 4: Install SteamOS on the new drive
- Plug in the charger to wake the Deck from battery storage mode.
- Connect the recovery USB drive, then hold Volume Down and press Power to open the boot manager.
- Choose the USB drive. When the recovery desktop loads, double-click Re-image Steam Deck and follow the prompts.
- When it’s done, the Deck restarts into first-time setup. Sign in, and your Steam Cloud saves come back as you reinstall your games.
Frequently asked questions
Will upgrading the SSD void my warranty?
Valve doesn’t forbid it, but damage caused during the upgrade may not be covered. Work slowly and follow a model-specific guide.
Can I copy my old drive instead of reinstalling?
Yes, if you have an NVMe enclosure and a PC. Cloning the old drive to the new one keeps everything, but it’s more involved. A fresh install is simpler, and Steam Cloud brings back most saves.
Do I need a 2230 SSD for the Steam Deck OLED?
Yes. Both the LCD and OLED models use M.2 2230 drives.
Is a microSD card good enough instead?
For most games, yes. Load times are a little longer than on an internal SSD, but gameplay is usually the same.
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