Steam Deck owners can now buy official replacement pairs for the PC gaming handheld through repair website iFixit.
After a premature start over the weekend, iFixit on Monday officially launched its dedicated web page to help Steam Deck users fix the product. The repair provider is also offering sales on 20 different replacement parts, including the thumbstick controllers, the screen, and speakers.
iFixit teamed up with Valve to offer the repair parts, along with detailed guides on how to install the components. “Offerings include both standalone parts and Fix Kits complete with all the required tools,” the repair company added.
In addition, iFixit is promising more Steam Deck components will be sold through its website, including replacement batteries and even motherboards.
The news certainly adds to the appeal of owning a Steam Deck, which launched in February. “Making replacement parts and repair information available to users is an important part of designing a long-lasting device that will stay out of the landfill,” iFixit said.
The parts are also relatively affordable. For example, a replacement thumbstick costs $19.99 while a new screen can cost $64.99 or $94.99, depending on the Steam Deck model.
However, don’t expect all the repairs to be easy to pull off. iFixit noted that replacing the battery on a Steam Deck can be particularly tough.
“Unfortunately, the Steam Deck battery is glued in place, and buried under several fragile flex cables that must be carefully coaxed aside,” it wrote in a post. “It’s definitely doable, and we’re glad to walk you through the procedure, but we wish it was easier.”
Valve has also warned that if you do open a Steam Deck it will weaken the device's durability.
Along with Steam Deck, iFixit is offering replacement parts for the Valve Index VR headset. “We’re hopeful that other game console companies will take a page out of Valve’s book. And we’re excited for an even better next generation,” iFixit added.