Steam Deck - Massive Upgrade through Modding

08 August 2023 / by Tom Schwiha
Steam Deck - Massive Upgrade through Modding

A Salute to Modders!

Gaming PCs and consoles are not just for playing games, they are also playgrounds for modders and tinkerers. And Valve's Steam Deck is no exception. A resourceful user has managed to double the available memory of the handheld gaming device - from an impressive 16GB to an astonishing 32GB.

How is it possible?

The answer is simpler than you might think: With a little know-how and a healthy dose of courage. User balika011 shared his project on X (formerly Twitter) and showcased the world his modified Steam Deck with double the RAM. Sounds like a challenge, doesn't it? But don't worry, we'll explain how it works.

The path to doubling your RAM

In order to expand the memory of your Steam Deck, you first need to disassemble the device - carefully, of course. Then, you'll need to solder in the additional RAM and finally edit the BIOS. This ensures that the operating system recognizes the new hardware.

Looking ahead: The future of the Steam Deck

Even though the Steam Deck is still relatively young, mods like the one by balika011 make us dream: When will we hear something about a possible Steam Deck 2? The increasing system requirements of modern games could necessitate an update to the handheld in the future - with more RAM, a better battery, and maybe even an OLED screen. One can dream, right?

Other upgrade options

If this modding project seems too risky to you or you simply don't want to invest that much time, there are other ways to improve your Steam Deck. How about a new SSD for faster storage access? Or a high-quality microSD card for more storage space? Sometimes, a little extra space can work wonders.

With these tips, you are well-equipped to spruce up your Steam Deck. Have fun tinkering!
About the author