Since it's just a PC with very ordinary PC parts, people are already working on hardware hacking ideas for Valve's upcoming handheld PC "Steam Deck" Valve has been pretty straightforward that this hardware, for all its fancy chassis and control scheme, is just a portable PC inside. Valve has been pretty straightforward that this hardware, for all its fancy chassis and control schemes, is just a portable PC on the inside.

A Reddit user emailed Gabe Newell asking if the Steam Deck will have a replaceable SSD, allowing users to upgrade the machine's storage. After all, from a technical standpoint, the only major difference between the three Steam Deck models currently available for pre-order is storage capacity; Newell said that the SSDs in the Steam Deck are connected via a 2230 M.2 slot, which is soldered to the main board in a very permanent way, and He responded that they are not connected in a very permanent way, such as soldered to the mainboard.

Notably, Steam Deck's website was later updated to state that "all models use socketed 2230 m.2 modules (not intended for replacement by the end user)." So, at least in theory, it is possible to manually upgrade the Steam Deck's storage, but Valve doesn't think it's a good idea to try. Presumably, accessing the M.2 slots would require a significant disassembly of the Deck, which could void the warranty.

Therefore, a theoretical upgrade is likely to be reserved for hardcore hardware hackers and computer assembly experts; Tom's Hardware and Tech Radar offer a more theoretical explanation of upgrading with a screwdriver and soldering iron. Tom's Hardware" and "Tech Radar" provide a more theoretical explanation of upgrading with a screwdriver and soldering iron.

Valve has been surprisingly forthcoming about the hardware and internals of the Steam Deck, especially compared to most console manufacturers. They also believe they were able to avoid the thumbstick drift problem.

Steam Deck has been the subject of much discussion and disagreement on the PC Gamer campfire. We asked if the Steam Deck would be successful, and the responses were mixed; Jorge Jimenez seems to think the Steam Deck is "a portable PC you might end up buying," while Rich Stanton Switch without the magic.