iFixit
IFixit, a repairer familiar with “Disassemble as soon as high-tech products are released,” has released a video disassembling Valve’s portable game PC “Steam Deck.” Valve warned that users trying to repair Steam Deck themselves could have a number of problems, but iFixit has shown that it doesn’t require much attention.
The interesting thing about this report is that iFixit has announced that it will be one of the authorized distributors for Steam Deck’s replacement parts. In other words, even though the original Valve has released a video of “Let’s look inside Steam Deck! (= Users should not disassemble)”, a legitimate vendor said “It is okay for users to disassemble”. We are releasing a demonstration that may be received as.
Now when iFixit disassembles the retail version of Steam Deck, almost every part has an easy-to-understand label, and it’s not too hard to open the case and see what’s inside. The design is fully modular and has been analyzed to be able to repair different parts without unnecessarily replacing or disassembling parts.
In addition, the SSD can be replaced by simply removing one screw, and the display does not need to be removed except for the suction cup (pulling up the screen) and heat (heat gun, etc.).
Valve also said that it is strongly conscious of measures against the drift problem (the stick is drifting and input without permission even though the user has not touched it), but according to iFixit 3 Both sticks can be replaced simply by removing the screws from the book. Even if a drift occurs, it is easy for the user to order replacement parts and replace them without having to send the main unit for repair.
However, the battery is fairly difficult to replace, and the USB-C port and microSD slot are soldered to the board, so you should handle it with care.
Overall, iFixit rates Steam Deck as easier to repair than the latest laptops from other companies. It may be the ideal handheld game console for those who want to replace it with a large capacity SSD by themselves, or who want to replace it immediately if the stick becomes sick.
(Source: iFixit (YouTube). Reprinted from Engadget Japanese version)
