One such device that consumers have learned to be somewhat customisable is Valve’s handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck. According to a report by Hot Hardware, a modder known as Belly Jelly has discovered that it is possible to fit a larger capacity M.2 2242 SSD onto the device, though he notes that doing so will cause some issues with the internal heat spreader. Despite this, Belly Jelly claims that the handheld worked fine after the modification, which enabled it to hit an average write speed of 406 MB/s.

— Belly Jelly (@TheSmcelrea) June 21, 2022 While it seems that the modder’s attempt to replace the stock SSD on Steam Deck is a success, there is a substantial risk for doing so. As pointed out by Valve hardware designer Lawrence Yang, modding the handheld with this method will significantly shorten its lifespan, as its internal cooling system is affected in the process. He warns that the Steam Deck’s charger IC can get very hot and its thermal pads should not be moved – something that Belly Jelly also noted while working on the modding project. Yang added that most M.2 2442 SSD drives draw more power and generate more heat than what can be handled by the device.

— Lawrence Yang (@lawrenceyang) June 25, 2022   Responding to the designer’s concerns, Belly Jelly also advised users to only mod the Steam Deck at their own risk and emphasised that his project is merely a proof of concept. “I’ve seen some people damage their devices significantly while attempting similar mods, or planning on repeating my process themselves,” he adds.

— Belly Jelly (@TheSmcelrea) June 26, 2022 As tempting as it is to equip any devices with “better” hardware than what was originally installed, do keep in mind that modding could potentially cause irreversible damage – especially when conducted without help from qualified professionals. Furthermore, doing so will also void warranties, which will prevent users from seeking any form of compensation from brands, manufacturers, or even stores. (Source: Lawrence Yang / Hot Hardware / Belly Jelly [1] [2])