Steam-Deck-Hardware

Information and guides about Steam Deck hardware and modifications - For software stuff click here
This project isn’t associated with Valve and modifying your device will / may void your warranty.
None of the links are affiliated in any way or are included because of external payment.
If you’re the owner of some content mentioned / contained in this repository and want it removed please contact me (NKkrisz)

🧑‍💻 How To Contribute To This Repository | Credits And Sources

💵 How To Support Me (NKkrisz) And This Repository

Consider donating by clicking the button below:
By doing so, I might be able to:
- Get a second used / faulty LCD Deck
- Upgrade to an OLED Deck which would enable further research
- Buy more expensive hardware for testing or for modifying Steam Decks

👥 Hardware Modding Communities / Resources

⚠️ DISCLAIMER - READ FIRST BEFORE MODIFYING ANYTHING

Modifying your device will / may void your warranty!!!
You can see your Deck’s original parts here (Select matching serial number from the backplate):
- https://store.steampowered.com/account/hardwareused
VALVE RECOMMENDS PUTTING THE DEVICE INTO BATTERY STORAGE MODE FOR REPAIRS!!!
- How to turn on battery storage mode
  - MAKE SURE THE BATTERY IS BELOW 80% BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO BATTERY STORAGE MODE, THE LOWER THE BETTER (though full discharge isn’t recommended)
TAKE OUT THE SD CARD BEFORE OPENING THE STEAM DECK OR IT WILL BREAK!!!
DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AFTER TAKING OFF THE SHIELDING!!!

⚙️ Different Steam Deck Releases, Revisions And Differences

Prototypes

Pre Mass Production

LCD Version

Easily differentiable older / newer revision by looking at shielding above the motherboard

	Older model (beginning of EV3) and an early model (EV2, some early dev kits)
	Newer revision with black shielding and other changes

OLED Version

	Stock OLED (2024. November purchase) - Some smaller changes are being introduced (eg. SK Hynix RAM?)
	Transparent Black Limited Edition (only some accents and shell different)
	White Limited Edition - Some smaller changes are being introduced

More Information About Both Can Be Found Here

🧰 Recommended Tools For Repairing / Modding

✨ Cosmetic Upgrades

Full Shell Or Backplate Swap

Inputs

Custom 3D Printable Action Buttons And D-Pad
ExtremeRate Colored & Transparent Buttons
Deck Buttons - Resin, Metal etc… Buttons
Etsy stores’ resin or other buttons
Joystick Cap Painting

Skins / Stickers

🪛 Hardware Upgrades

Wireless Connectivity (Wifi And Bluetooth)

Storage (SSD And MicroSD)

Screen & Screen Protectors

Tracking Device (eg. AirTag)

Memory / RAM

External GPU

Dual Battery

Dual Screen

Cooling

Rumble

Inputs

🕹️ Accessories

DeckMate - Backplate Addons
Docks
- Valve’s Steam Deck Dock
  - Gets firmware updates from Valve
  - Comes with another Steam Deck charger
  - Most likely needs an adapter if used with a case on (USB extension or fitment fix)
  - Example adapter: Project Killswitch - Steam Deck Dock Adapter From Dbrand
- Any brand should work but it’s recommended to at least have USB-C PD (Power Delivery) so the Deck remains charged
Cases
- Stock / Original (Older ones had strap, different models are differently colored, 1TB OLED has a removable inner case)
- Dbrand - Project Killswitch
- Jsaux
  - Modcase
  - Protective Standing Case
- Spigen - Rugged Armor
- Tomtoc - Armor-G12
- Mepatem - 3 in 1 Case
Chargers
- Official / Stock:
  - Power Output: 45W
  - Length: 1.5m (LCD) or 2.5m (OLED) (Both are compatible with any Steam Decks)
  - USB-C PD3.0
  - Non-removable cable
- Recommendations / guidelines:
  - 45W+ Output (If less the Deck might discharge during gaming)
  - Needs USB PD (Power Delivery)
  - Removable cable (To carry around any length needed)
- Extra Strain Relief Solutions:
  - USB-C 90 / 180 Degree Adapters
  - 3D Printed Cable Relief
- Additional information about battery and charging

🎮 Fully Transformed Steam Deck Examples

RAM, Wifi, Shell, Joystick And Screen Upgrade
- Possible OLED Screen Swap For LCD Decks In The Future?
Tablet / Switch Mod
Bondi Blue iMac G3
Giant 4K Screen
Half Life Edition
Portal Edition
Fully Red
GabeCube

🧑‍🔧 Troubleshooting, Repair Guides, Parts And Measurements

🛠️ Replacement Parts

iFixit (Official Valve partner)

Do note that not everything is available in iFixit’s stores, this includes:

Trackpads
Mother / Daughterboards
Ribbon Cables
Inner Screws (Backplate ones are available)
Original / Stock Carrying Cases

👀 Interesting Stuff

Quanta Computer is the manufacturer of Steam Decks (See 3rd picture, top-left print on box, Valve is also mentioned on their wiki)
Steam Decks’ brown cardboard shipping boxes have Valve references on them
In Japan the boxes that Steam Decks come in are different and have proper retail packaging and design
You can wake up a docked Steam Deck (LCD too) with the Steam Controller
How The Giant Steam Deck Was Made For The Tokyo Game Show (2022)
Steam Deck RGB Mod - Part 1 - I2C Investigation - CalcProgrammer1
Steam Deck Chip Deep-Dive (Van Gogh/Aerith) - High Yield
Steam Deck Buttons And Joystick Mod For The Steam Controller - Tutorial

TODO

Update old / add new info into Markdown files:
- Carrying Cases
- Other things…
Get pictures of all LCD & OLED components (all sides)
Get more video footage of certain mods (eg. clicky buttons, dual-stage triggers)
Add images of packaging (worldwide and Japanese versions)
Remove background of Steam Deck revision pictures manually
Separate EV2 and early production LCD Steam Decks in comparison table