How to Add Extra Storage to Steam Deck

This article explains how to add additional storage space to a Steam deck.

How to expand Steam Deck storage

The Steam Deck is available in three different versions, each with a different amount of onboard storage. If you’ve settled on the cheapest version, you’ll find that you can only install a handful of games before you run out of space.

In this case, you can expand your storage in the following ways:

• Add an SD card: This simple process can increase your storage space by 1TB or even more with a single micro SD card, or you can swap out multiple smaller micro SD cards.
• Connect an external drive: You can connect an external drive through the USB-C port, but the drive can only be set up through desktop mode, and you’ll need to set it up every time you connect it.
• Replace the SSD: This more complicated process requires opening the Steam deck and physically replacing the main storage device.

How to expand Steam deck storage with a micro SD card

The easiest and best way to expand your Steam Deck storage is by inserting a micro SD card. The Steam Deck operating system is set up to format SD cards and use them to store games, so the whole process is very quick and painless.

You can use multiple small cards and swap them out as needed to take a range of games with you wherever you go, but micro SD cards are available in capacities up to 1.5TB if you have the space in your budget.

To expand your Steam Deck storage with a micro SD card:

1. Insert a Micro SD card into the slot at the bottom of your Steam Deck.

2. Press the STEAM key to open the main menu.

3. Beat settings.

4. Choose system.

5. Scroll down and select format.

6. Choose Confirm.

7. The Steam deck comes first test your SD card.

   If the SD card fails the test, remove and reinsert it and try again. You can also try restarting your Steam Deck. If you keep getting errors, try a different SD card.

8. The Steam Deck will then format your SD card.

   If your card is slow, this process may take a while.

9. The formatting bar will be replaced with the formatting button if the operation is successful and you will not receive any notification.

   Your card is now formatted and ready to use. scroll down the left menu and go to the next step if you want to set it as the default download location for new games.

10. Choose storage.

11. Choose MicroSD cardand press X.

12. The SD card is now your default download location for new games.

    
    

Can you use an external USB drive with a Steam Deck?

You can use an external USB drive or flash drive with your Steam Deck, but the process is complicated and you have to switch to desktop mode every time you plug the drive back in. You also won’t be able to charge your Steam Deck with an external USB drive connected unless you’re using a powered hub or dock, and the battery will drain faster due to the drive’s power requirements.

The only situation where using an external USB drive would make sense would be if you have your Steam Deck plugged into a USB-C dock and rarely remove it.

If you really want to use an external USB drive with your Steam Deck, you’ll need to switch to desktop mode and then use the Linux terminal to mount and format the drive.

In order for the drive to work in SteamOS gaming mode, you need to format the drive as NTFS. The drive will then work with your Steam Deck until you disconnect it. Each time you plug in the drive, you must return to desktop mode, mount the drive through the Linux terminal, and then return to game mode to use the drive.

Can you upgrade the Steam Deck SSD?

If you bought a Steam deck that doesn’t have enough storage space, it’s possible to replace the existing SSD with a new one. This process will void your warranty, but it’s no more difficult than upgrading the SSD in most laptops.

While it’s possible to fit a new SSD into your Steam Deck, that doesn’t mean you can put in any drive. It must be a 2230 M.2 SSD. Other drives are either incompatible or will not fit.

To update your Steam Deck SSD:

1. Remove the eight screws from the back of the steam deck.

   
   

2. Using a plastic tool, pry the case apart, starting at the top.

   
   

3. If the top separates, pry each side apart.

   
   

4. Remove the three screws from the metal battery cover.

   
   

5. Remove the battery.

   
   

6. Remove the SSD screw.

   
   

7. Remove the SSD.

   
   

8. Transfer the metal shield from the old SSD to the new one.

   
   

9. Slide the SSD into place, gently press down and secure with the screw.

   
   

10. Reassemble the steam deck by reversing the disassembly steps.

    
    

11. Download the SteamOS recovery image and follow Steam’s instructions to use this file to create a bootable USB stick.

    
    

12. Plug the bootable USB stick into your Steam Deck.

    
    

13. Stop volume downand turn on the steam deck.

    
    

14. Release the volume button when you hear a tone.

    
    

15. Choose EFI USB device.

    
    

16. When the recovery environment appears, select Remap Steam deck.

    
    

17. When it’s done, you’ll need to set up your Steam Deck as if it were brand new.