In this news article, the author shares their personal experience of modding their Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device. They discuss the different hardware modifications they made, starting with upgrading the SSD to a larger capacity. They also replaced the joysticks with smoother ones and changed the backplate to improve airflow. Additionally, the author explores software modifications, highlighting the installation of EmuDeck, an emulation tool specifically designed for the Steam Deck. They explain how EmuDeck allows users to easily configure emulators and launch emulated games through the Steam environment. The article serves as a personal account of the author’s modding journey and provides insights into potential modifications for others who are interested in customizing their Steam Deck.
In the expanded summary:
The author provides more details about the hardware modifications they made to their Steam Deck. They explain that while there are various components available for swapping out parts, it’s important to consider one’s comfort level with handling fragile cables and screws. The author specifically mentions their decision to replace the SSD, emphasizing that it is a relatively easy modification that significantly improves storage capacity. They also offer advice on handling the Steam Deck during the hardware modification process.
Regarding software modifications, the author discusses their use of EmuDeck, an all-in-one emulation tool designed for the Steam Deck. They explain that EmuDeck simplifies the installation and configuration of emulators, allowing users to launch emulated games as if they were in their Steam library. The author recommends following a guide from Retro Game Corps for setting up EmuDeck and mentions the use of Steam ROM Manager, which adds non-Steam games to the handheld view and retrieves metadata. The author also suggests using Paragon’s Linux File Systems for Windows to configure ROMs on a Windows laptop before transferring them to the Steam Deck.
In conclusion, the author shares their overall positive experience with modding their Steam Deck, encouraging readers to consider exploring modifications for themselves. They emphasize the possibilities for both hardware and software customization and provide specific examples of the modifications they made. The article serves as a personal testimonial meant to inspire and inform readers interested in personalizing their own Steam Deck devices.