Do you NEED the Biggest Steam Deck?

[@SjorsMaster]

Side note, opening up your deck does not specifically void your warranty, breaking anything while having it opened does

[@gamingforalaugh77]

Plain rock smashed his tho lmao

[@JandreParis]

Second this!

[@AQDuck]

Fun fact: This is actually true for pretty much every piece of hardware. "Warranty" stickers are illegal in USA and pretty much meaningless in EU.

[@coopercummings8370]

@@AQDuck They are illegal but the FTC doesn't do anything about it, so if you want to make them actually honor their warranty you have to sue them, which will probably cost you more than replacing the damaged item, so valve actually doing what they are legally required to do is meaningful

[@Joreel]

Valve has said if you open the Deck, you will void the warranty. They were very specific about it.

[@CasepbX]

I went with the 64GB version and already bought a 1TB SD card. I have no regrets at all, mainly because I won't be playing anything brand new or super demanding on the Deck. My plan is emulation and mostly older games and indie games.

[@Jok3ySmurf]

A GameGear Ultra if you will. Nice idea I love it

[@animeadict17]

That is exactly what I want the steam deck for! I have a series X so anything super demanding I’ll play there. But all the amazing indie games and obscure games that Retromation plays that are only on Steam, as well as older titles I want to play on the deck. I also pre ordered the 64GB version

[@matthewkingsmill7372]

I bought the steam deck and have the 64gig version. I also bought a 1tb SD card and am playing AAA games most of which at medium settings at very close to 60 fps and can’t be happier. So far from what I can tell, the SD card has no performance impact whatsoever. However, how long that will last is anyones guess. Worth noting that AAA ranges from games from 2004 all the way up to Doom Eternal.

[@mrmaxin53]

What are some of your game sizes? 50GB per game for typical AAA??

[@matthewkingsmill7372]

@@mrmaxin53 i have 27 games installed.. ranging from Half Life 2 to Doom Eternal, HZD, Days Gone Crysis remastered, Dying Light Deus Ex, Prey, Metro Exodus, GR Wildlands, Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes and a lot more

[@zerohour20XX]

Technically, at least in the US, the whole "opening will void your warranty" is now illegal according to the FTC so they can say that all day long but if they try to enforce it then they are opening themselves up to a lawsuit.

[@GalironRunner]

Has been not illegal but unenforceable ie it was always a bullshit statement but most shit people would open honesatly even at a few hundred or thousand bucks isnt worth the legal fees to take a company to court over.

[@Joreel]

And can you provide the specific FTC ruling on that? Because last we checked, if the company says opening a product will void the warranty, it will void the warranty. Please provide the FTC link.

[@GalironRunner]

@@Joreel I believe it's treated the same as euls ie companies say a lot of shit in euls and make them sound very legal and binding like but in reality just because a eul says something doesn't make it enforceable. It runs on the principle that again people won't spend the money to fight it in court. Since are most people again going to spent hundreds or thousands in court and legal fees for something worth less more so most would lose as they likely broke the item after opening it trying to fix it or that's how the company would frame it and a judge(s)/jury wouldn't likely know enough to disagree with them.

[@spicydeath82]

@@Joreel he is correct Jeremy. they can't promise a warranty then void it if you open the device you own. they either have to honor the warranty or stop offering the warranty. this all came about a few years ago and ties heavily into the right to repair discussions still going on today.

[@Fender178]

Yeah the only way they can't honor the warranty if you break something while trying to open it up or closing it up. With my Gaming laptop MSI said I was allowed to open it up without voiding the warranty to add upgrades to it and the only way I could void my warranty if I broke something back when my Laptop had a warranty.

[@thatanonwholurksmoar7386]

Short answer: No, you don't.

[@playah7522]

Thank you, you saved me 8 minutes

[@serphvarna4154]

Thanks

[@MrClassy1991]

It's just his opinion! Y do ppl take others opinion as their answer? Watch the video listen then make ur own opinion about the question. Ppl need to grow up

[@spamspace6878]

I already could have guessed that

[@test_account939]

I’m wasting my money on the 512gb steam deck because I already reserved it last year and don’t wanna wait how ever long I have to if I reserve the 64gb one now😢

[@TheDarkKratoz]

I got the 64GB model. I played everything off a mid-tier SD card at first, and everything ran perfectly well. I've since upgraded my SSD to a 512GB NVMe drive and high-end 1TB SD card. To be honest, I haven't noticed a huge change in loading, it was always snappy enough for me, but having a 1.5TB on the go PC has been pretty sweet.

[@tauqeerdarve9572]

1.5 TB is overkill for such device 😅 but yes it does feel satisfying haha.

[@mr.DorianJames]

Do you have a link to which ssd nvme you bought?

[@choccymilkyt]

well, it doesn't support many windows-only non-steam games but yes it is basically a portable pc

[@madbr3ad]

Thx for feedback :)

[@Wass0o7]

I'm still shock how quick FF7 remake loads off an SD card

[@churchofthelambofsat]

I bought the cheapest one because even the most expensive one will need expansion in time. Then it came out that Micro SD cards were just fine for most games so I felt smug about saving hundreds of dollars.

[@aelaan12]

So we are now 7 months later and Valve has officially shown a video where they tell us how to exchange the SSD and even the thumb sticks. It has become a fabulous device as they are supporting and expanding their offering. I hope they are already developing the next one and maybe might see it at some gamers con in 2023. Technically it is a handheld PC with a lot of pros being that it runs on open source operating system, of course modified to run Steam optimally. The many additions in picking and choosing the various versions of Proton has even further enhanced the experience. I know not everyone is going to look under the sheets of the OS, to me it is the most important consideration to purchase the 64Gb base model and get a 1Tb SSD and upgrade it further with thumb sticks without dead zone (or as little as possible).

[@bassxchill]

The one thing I'll add is that the SD seems to use the internal storage for its shader caching and general game data (amongst some other system files). So even if you put all your games on an SD card you might find yourself in the same situation I'm in now where you're running low on space on the internal drive. However, I've still been recommending the 64GB model to my friends because it's way more cost effective to get the $400 model and upgrade with an NVME later on. So for an extra $40 I purchased a 256GB nvme instead of paying an extra $130 to get it installed by Valve. All of this said, I've had no issues filling up and running my games off my 500GB SD card. Has been a great experience thus far.

[@Rhygar_]

In that case would you say the 256gb is the best value? I really only plan to have maybe 1-3 AAA game titles on my steam deck and mostly use emulation on it via a 512gb SD card . So would the 1-3 AAA game titles warrant a 256gb model for adequate shader caching? Or would the 64gb suffice in that situation?

[@NiccoDubs]

Pretty sure there’s a way to move the shader cache to an SD card

[@PaNDoRiaN37]

I moved both shadercache and compatdata folders to micro sd and created a symlink in the original location that points to the new location.

[@rayn1415]

@@PaNDoRiaN37 hi, sorry to bother but how did the deck performed after you created the symlink? I'd like to know also if you tried any AAA game after this procedure and noticed stutter or performance issues.

[@PaNDoRiaN37]

@@rayn1415 I can't really say whether performance was impacted or not. I moved those folders on day 1, so I don't know how it performs from the internal ssd. But I haven't had any issues with verified/playable games so far.

[@chrislaustin]

I knew from the start I could swap the internal memory, and adding that to an SD was the perfect way to go, so I bought the 64gb model as well. For what the midlevel Deck cost($530), I can replace the internal memory of 64gb to 512gb, and buy a 512gb SD card, and I'll have pretty much 1tb for the same price people paid to the the 256gb model(and their stuck with the 256gb). And I'll still have that 64gb memory to use in another device, or sell off for a few bucks, WIN/WIN!

[@er7hos]

I did just that, but I got a 1tb sd card. If you don't mind opening up your device it is very straightforward and worth saving the money.

[@fonejacker0]

Why are you acting like you’ve outsmarted a brilliant dev team? You think in 3/4/5 years time you’re going to regret paying an extra 100 bucks for faster and larger storage in the mid tier option? I don’t think so.

[@mick2d2]

I read somewhere, that the NVMe was "designed" to not cause interference. Not sure if all models work this way or if you can find the exact same one that the Deck has.

[@Scrabble12]

@@fonejacker0 haha thanks for saying it

[@Suparnub]

@@pngu1nsnp This isn't true, the storage in the 64GB model is still sat in the PCI slot and can be removed easily and replaced with an NVME 2230 SSD. Can be seen in many upgrade videos on youtube. Yes. normally eMMC is soldered to the board but not in the deck.

[@WigWoo1]

The biggest question is why do you have a Nintendo Micro SD card since they're much more expensive than a standard SanDisk one for no reason other than brand

[@sundownsupper7409]

I’ve actually gotten these exact Mario ones for CHEAPER at target. They have sales on their microSD cards. Recommend checking them out sometime!

[@sinful9347]

@@sundownsupper7409 same here! I even found a 128gb one at a pawn shop for $10 😅

[@thatzaliasguy]

Just got my 512GB model 2 days ago, and couldn't be happier with it!

[@cristianlira9778]

Thanks Kevin, I ordered a base Steam Deck planing to upgrade the internal storage to 512 , The difference is $100 cheaper if you get your own SSD, depending on the brand you choose. Your video addressed a lot of my concerns.

[@bik3r230]

Get a qtb

[@Stoltzy92]

I reserved the highest cost model and I'm planning on getting a 1TB or 2TB microSD card in the future. I don't necessarily need all of it since I am probably mostly gonna be playing indie, emulated, or at least older games but at the same time I would like to have as much choice as possible for what I play when I'm on the go and away from Internet. I've got a big library of games.

[@bluepill8077]

Same here. 512 with 1 T sd card

[@orlandocalder1645]

Doing the same. After the same type of games also Definitely getting mugen games also

[@twinkelz77]

TIL that it is physically impossible to create a working 2 TB micro sd card. The most that a company was able to do was 1.5 TB but even that is still in prototype.

[@bik3r230]

Lol waste

[@ceeece]

I don’t have a deck yet but this is what i am considering

[@kieranjeffery6764]

It surprises me that in this day and age you cannot just store the assets you need for the device you use. You're not going to be playing Doom Eternal at maximum 4k textures etc, So why do we have to download all the textures. You should be able to decide. Maybe even be able to buy the stripped down version at a discount with the option to upgrade to the 4k version later.

[@az6011]

No, I'd prefer if the 4K textures came with the game! I strongly agree with everything else though.

[@the77th]

are you going to write the extra code needed to make these "options" possible?

[@az6011]

@@the77th no idea where to start!

[@The_Mem]

That would only work for games that have difrent texture resolutions though pretty sure for most games it just comes down to the redering power of the device your playing on

[@waffleten9750]

@@the77th I've seen some games come with 4k separately, so I doubt it's that hard. I've done it for a custom project but trying to do that with a already premade set of code while probably possible you won't be able to change the download anyway

[@thaphreak]

For me, the screen was the deciding factor - do I want to put a screen protector on it day 1 to get rid of glare or enjoy it as is day 1? I'm a repair professional so the capacity wasn't that much of a concern as I could always upgrade, so for me it was an obvious choice. Steam Deck - 512gb & 1tb SanDisk Extreme. The one thing that people always get wrong is the MicroSD card, ALWAYS get A2 MicroSD cards people, A1 is crap!

[@Alexmedic4594]

Just for the storage no, but the anti glare screen and the special carrying case are also nice upgrades

[@Sarge92]

the anti glare screen is actually useless the first thing your gonna wanna do the second you buy your steamdeck is throw a screen protector on which compleatly removes the anti glare unless you buy a specifically anti glare screen protector... but then you have the same results as putting a anti glare screen protector on a 64 gb

[@MrZuga89]

Wait what? You don't get that without the "bigger" models??

[@MrZuga89]

Don't mind me, everything's written on the first page 😅

[@vincentmarcellino7183]

Look at the Switch load times. That's a good rough estimate when using an SD card. So if you're not a stickler for a few extra seconds to load into a game, then the 64 will be fine.

[@StockportJambo]

I have the 256GB model, and the way I look at it is that this is hardware that is good for at least 5 years. In a year or two (maybe even less), there will be higher capacity M.2 2230 NVMe drives available... demand driven at least in part by the Steam Deck itself. So I'd rather upgrade to a 1TB or 2TB SSD in a couple of years, and use SD cards in the meantime. Performance of them seems fine, anyway.

[@markevolution9840]

Yeah mee too I mean you can fit a few games in the steam deck as it is

[@darksting77]

Ive had my steam deck for a few weeks now and im fine with the 256 model, I use the internal for my steam library (which consists of some platformers and some triple A titles but nothing super recent), and my sd card is set up for emulation, for now 128 is fine, ill probably upgrade that at some point.

[@JoseRamirez-sq5ft]

Me living in a third world country knowing I might never get the steam deck: interesting :D

[@TheDarKris]

I have the 512gb model and have a 1tb SD card and between the both of them I have about ~160gb of storage left. I will say I appreciate the extras the top version came with even if it extended my wait time to getting it.

[@Gr13fKvlt]

Do you have a screen protector on yours?

[@sirtimatbob]

@@Gr13fKvlt even if he doesn't, one should, if that's a question you had

[@womanofficialx]

hey which brand of sd card do you have ?

[@jmb3d]

If my history of buying cellphones with small storage indicates how frustrated I get when I run out space, then I'm going to need the largest storage option possible. Yes I know you can get an SD card, but there's something about having it on the device that makes it better in my mind.

[@Qtoki12]

this.

[@JavierSegura]

Yes, I need it. Because a reservation for a new, less expensive version would come in like next year.

[@danielkuttel7867]

I was in holidays and I can tell you: You will miss the less shiny screen. But beside that: the 64gb with more sd is for most gamers good enough.

[@nluna75]

I got the 64gb model and opened it up and put a 1tb m.2 nvme ssd. It was really easy and didn't have a problem doing the install or installing the OS. I also had an extra 1tb micro sd card i installed as well. Whichever way you go, i recommend doing whatever makes u feel comfortable.

[@Hijynx87]

Nice, that's what I'm going to do, maybe not a 1tb sd, probably 512gb.

[@nluna75]

@@Hijynx87 The 1tb sd was an extra i had for my switch. Works great on my steamdeck.

[@ultranova9599]

@@nluna75 you are set for life now! I have bought the 64gb model and a 512gb SD card. But I do wish to upgrade the internal.

[@madhurkapoor100]

Hey how you did that?

[@AO-bl7cc]

I recommend at a minimum the 256gb model. While 64gb might make sense if you planned on using an micro sd card, once you actually get a steam deck, that 64gb will be used up very quickly. There are a lot of apps that can help to make running pc games outside of the Steam library possible, so prefix folders and proton packages, and utilities will eat up that precious 64gb. Also, while load times between the ssd and the micro-sd card might look comparable on paper, during actual game play you might experience stuttering because the game is loading data. So having the option to play the game on the ssd card is preferable over playing on an sd-card which might start to show its not up to the task during game play.

[@bik3r230]

Why not get a 64 gig model add a 2 tb sd card and 2 tb svme and a 30$ matte screen protector 560+ 100+120+30 810$ for a wayyyyy better steam deck 4x stock storage

[@xenos_n.]

I'm Q3 and ordered the 256gb model. Really looking forward to it. Thankfully I mostly play indie games so I'm not too worried about performance. I haven't played PC games in years, I'm so excited to be able to play all of the indie games that I haven't been able to play on my Switch.

[@ADreamingTraveler]

And the best part is you'll always have these games you buy without worrying about your library becoming outdated like how Nintendo is closing the 3DS eshop and making it impossible to download your old games. If you have games you bought in the 2000's on Steam you can still download and play them on steam deck

[@xenos_n.]

@@ADreamingTraveler exactly, and that coupled with how easily you can repair the Steam Deck means that it's going to a usable peice of hardware for a LOT of years. People complain about the price but it's honestly a good deal with all things considered, especially if you're like me and don't have a TV or computer chair and like lounging with a handheld. It's altogether cheaper than gaming with a regular PC or Xbox or PS5 for me.

[@ksmurfer]

This is super helpful. My middle model just shipped (woohoo) and been researching whether or not to grab a micro TB, knowing that I want to play some big games that haven't been accessible to me as a non-PC gamer. Good tip to use SSD for big games and micro for indie. Honestly, you might have saved me $100+. Gonna hold off on a TB micro for now and clear an old 512gb i've got for Switch.

[@whatsmine7848]

I’ve ordered the 512gb with the price of memory cards constantly changing and the antiglare screen to me it was the best option

[@Gr13fKvlt]

Do you use a screen protector for yours?

[@melvinfrooks]

I put a 1Tb SD card in my 512 model and Doom eternal on it runs like a dream. I'm glad I got the biggest model as well as the 1TB.

[@stephenokocha8364]

I’m hoping that 2T comes out. So that I can forget about memory in years

[@Mu3azOsman]

A bit away from the topic of the vid, I really admire and love the evolution that the channel has gone through and the progress of production quality and spontaneouse feeling of some of these topics that feel organic and unscripted 👍👍👍 appreciate the high quality of work you do g

[@KevinKenson]

I appreciate that!

[@Mu3azOsman]

@@KevinKenson 🙏

[@andrewmcgrane3308]

@@KevinKenson dude it's a scam its not really unbox therapy

[@ItsWazzza]

@@andrewmcgrane3308 he was saying “I appreciate that!” to the original commenter

[@jarde1989]

Got a 64gb version and a 512gb Samsung pro micro sd I literally have NO complaints. Works fast and well.

[@boristheblade9496]

How are the loading times?

[@daviddesrosiers1946]

Or if you can face the horror of 11 screws, and a little careful-ing, you can take the tiny one, and put a great big nvme ssd in it.

[@Bambeakz]

Starfield later this year 😭😭 That didn’t age well 😅 My Steam deck 256 GB is on the way but i can’t imagine playing bigger games on the Steam deck accept maybe Civilization or Xcom 2 (if even possible) The “big graphics” games are for the OLED TV or ultrawide pc screen.

[@marios.2975]

Just ordered the 64GB steam deck and will rely on SD cards for the big titles…this video was really helpful cause I’m a bit low on budget but still wanna play on a handheld device and not a gaming PC.

[@darryl_young]

Great video. Thanks, Kevin. Man, the HDR really popped! I think this is the first HDR video I've watched on KZbin with the 14" MacBook Pro, and I wasn't expecting it. Very cool.

[@ikigai9300]

I got the cheapest one because it was a decent price for something that I'm realistically not going to be using a lot.

[@richarde98]

If you use a screen protector then you have your reason not to, since you basically only get the (really nice, tasty and beautiful) case and the 512GB. Check your storage needs.

[@MuffHam]

I"ll just buy the 64gb and buy a 1tb Micro SD. The best part about SD cards is you can have many of them. Just download all the games you want put the SD card in a case and label what games are on it. Its basically making a hard copy of those games. Put your steam deck in off line mode and your golden. Some games don't run in off line mode but most do.

[@peterparker346]

I didn’t know there was a different size of the Steam Deck the only difference is the SSD storage and yes you do need the biggest if your a true gamer

[@doge7831]

When the Steam Deck comes to my country i’ll buy the 64 GB model with a 1TB sd card.

[@Ice-xi3vq]

As long as you could change the internal ssd, the extra stuff of the 512 one doesn’t really make sense to add $200 to the base model.

[@nikitastaskevich2154]

i dont think the base model would have an nvme slot and if it did, the ssd that they use here is very expensive and probably more than 200 itself.

[@Anon1370]

i'll tell you another thing what doesn't make sense people putting glass screen protectors on the etched models and then their anti glare is gone

[@Anon1370]

@@nikitastaskevich2154 base model has nvme slot people are still misinformed about the steam deck if anyone is wasting money its the people got the 512gb model and still plan on upgrading it to 1tb in the future.

[@Ice-xi3vq]

@@nikitastaskevich2154 there are videos of people actually replacing the internal emmc drive for a larger one. It’s much cheaper for me to buy the base model and the nvme separately and I’d still save $120 or more.

[@test_account939]

@@Anon1370 i strongly hate myself for reserving the 512gb steam deck but i don’t want to reserve a 64gb steam deck as my 512gb will be up for order soon

[@miloszivkovic6256]

It would be interesting to have game makers provide a 720p textures for steam deck

[@sirtimatbob]

Couldn't the resolution provided actually be native instead?

[@Kitsunebyanothername]

I mostly play indies, older AAA games, and retro console emulators, so the mid tier model with an SD card was the right choice for me.

[@wagonet]

Bought 256gb middle one. Filled it up in 1 day. Great machine. Looking now to expand storage

[@Noid1220]

Are you playing all the games at once?

[@Peremptor]

The real short answer is not really. With the microsd storage option plus upgrading the SSD yourself with not much effort (plenty of great guides online to walk you through) imo the 400 dollar unit is where its at. Can't wait to get mine to try it out for myself.

[@crescentdarklight]

Knowing that I'd likely only be able to afford one thing at a time and having the limitation of a smaller storage, and the time in which it would take if I wanted to store games on a card, I just ended up with the more expensive model because number one, anti-glare, number two, it's less of a hassle to have to only buy one thing instead of two. At least for me in particular. I knew I'd probably want more than one or two games on my deck and if I was going to have to wait for a period just to afford a TB sd card well..might as well buy the bigger option for the sake of simplisity. I know everyones options and reasons are different, so I'm not saying it's silly to buy the ones with lesser storage, I'm just saying for me personally, it was the valid option, and it came with alright perks. Ultimately, I'll be glad to take most of my games with me on the go, so it's got me excited because I am pretty much a PC only gamer. So taking the majority of my library with me is going to be pretty amazing.

[@crab-dogjones4659]

The non-reflective screen was the key point for me. Of course, it's hard for me to say if it was worth it since I've never seen the other models.

[@bik3r230]

The 65 gig model with a 1 tb ssd and a 1 tb sd and a 25$ matte screen protector im 40$cheeper then the msrp without tax higher model with 1 5 tb more storage

[@JonnyLin7]

Great video. Really makes me feel better about getting the 256gb model. I ordered the 256gb since 512gb was a bit too pricey since I don't think I'll have that many demanding games, but I figured I'd like to be able to hold at least a few games on internal SSD storage. I plan on basically putting all my more demanding games in the internal SSD since I'll probably only have a few of those and expect the load time differences to be greater for those games, while holding all my emulation roms and older games on a 512gb SD card.

[@helenwhs]

My thoughts exactly

[@Doom_State]

Definitely go for the medium range one

[@Jiangcool9]

The reason I’m bout going for the highest tier is because of the screen. While the anti glare screen is nice, but for a handheld device I would like to put a screen protector on my device.

[@haruo20101]

I'd be happy just being able to get one lol

[@XxODDJOBxX]

I have the 64gb version and have been using a 256gb micro SD. Haven’t had any issues works like a breeze.

[@warrensnook9435]

I’m on the edge of the 64 vs 256 with a 512 GB card. I plan to use it mostly for emulation, so do you think the 64 GB model would be best for me?

[@buddybleeyes]

I literally want to max it out due to it being a companion pc while I'm away from home. Wanna see if I can get a 2tb ssd (I know there are some limitations right know since these are double sided) but imma wait for either a mod or ssd that is compatible and I want a 1tb micro sd card :) probably use the micro sd for old games and old console emulators and use the ssd for newer games and newer console emulators :) luckily, I've got the 512gb on order anyway while I wait for the larger capacity ssds that will work :) edit: I will be dual booting windows 11 so the 512gb makes the most sense to me until I get that larger ssd

[@AppleNerd11]

The upcoming Micron 2400 2 TB SSD in the 2230 form factor is actually single sided!

[@buddybleeyes]

@@AppleNerd11 thanks for the heads up! Probably gunna be expensive, but I don't like the thought of breaking the only usb c port on the deck for running dongles all day long 😂

[@alanpoon6019]

@@buddybleeyesthe micron 2TB is to replace the existing internal drive of the steam deck...

[@keithbenson6916]

I just got the best of both worlds and bought a brand new 512 for 400 of a junkie. God bless their soul I hope they got some fire dope❤

[@TStvonline]

Thanks Kevin, hopefully getting my Steam Deck this Q3. Appreciate you always getting straight to the point and keeping a personality unlike some tech youtubers.

[@averagenuggetenjoyer1951]

Very helpful as I'm looking into a steam deck. Thanks kevin

[@OfficialFinal]

To anyone who wants to know you can open the steam deck and change the storage chip and valve will still give you a warranty but the company that is fixing broken steam decks for valve atm is not allowing many people to use their warranty on steam decks that have been opened in many cases

[@namename2040]

Opening the steam deck does not void your warranty. They specifically state that in the video you are referencing. They support your right to open your device and will help still if you need it after opening it. Valve like on the digital side fully support modding and fixing their device

[@namename2040]

Modding as long as you don't blatantly break the device then ask them to fix it

[@geneanthony3421]

I didn’t order the bigger steam deck for the size of the memory, I ordered it for the better screen

[@Svetoslav85]

During July 2021 we thought that the emMC module is not removable and the majority of the people jumped on the highest memory model.

[@AquiousK]

You don’t need the largest storage capacity, but I ordered it for the addition of the better screen for outdoor play. In my situation, I’ll be outdoors a lot to keep an eye out on my dogs while I play

[@Anna_Rae]

I got the largest one anyways and I’m super happy. Also slapped a 1TB micro SD card in that thing and it’s so cool

[@LemonRush7777]

If I couldn't strut around parading my big Deck I would feel less of a man.

[@MiTaReX]

2:46 Opening it will not would your warranty unless you break the thing yourself doing so. That's what they say in the very video you're showing!

[@andyvasquez470]

dont really need the biggest steam deck but it certainly improves QoL with it, I hate having to delete games in order to install new ones, its inevitable even with more space but its alot more manageable to my experience so far ( I upgraded mine to 1tb and have a 1tb sd card on it ) Then theres also that shader cache install issue with 64gb models which is also a problem.

[@PerfectlyFriedBread]

There's another reason you might want the 512 and that's dual booting. If you want to play games which aren't currently or likely to be supported in Linux (like Destiny 2 or Fortnite) then you'll need to setup a Windows partition as well once they add support to the kernel to do it easily (although if you know the right arcana you can do it now). Then you effectively have a 256 drive for each system try use and you likely need to partition the sd card as well since Linux will want ext4.

[@bluepill8077]

Nail on the head 👍

[@sengv1987]

of course you do, its a deck measuring contest

[@David-ym2vk]

ANSWER: GET THE 64GB STEAM DECK. I bought a 64gb steam deck for $399.99 plus tax and a 1tb WD ssd for $150 and installed it myself. That's at least $100 I'm saving over the 512gb model AND I'm doubling my internal storage. I can always add a anti glare screen protector for $10 if it's that important to me and I can also just pop in a microsd card later if I end up maxing out my internal storage and I'll still be under the cost of the 512gb steam deck. The 64gb model is the way to go if you're on the fence. The steam deck was easy to open up and make the swap, just make sure to press the power button a few times after disconnecting the battery to drain any residual current.

[@KittStargazer]

Glad I went with the 516 model. Already fill over half of it up with my already existing games lol.

[@felipeborges106]

I'm thinking about buying a Steam Deck, and this video helped me a lot :) tks

[@Ice-xi3vq]

3:11 That little chip on the series x through.

[@andie7933]

The steam deck looks freaking gorgeous I wish the switch looked like the steam deck

[@justswitched8841]

The graphics are amazing too.

[@andie7933]

@@justswitched8841 the graphics are like that cool

[@andie7933]

Watching videos I can't help but like what you tube shows how you can customize game buttons layout That would be great in the future when I get my.own steam deck So I no longer will struggle with quick time events

[@FishyFelix]

There's really only 1 game I focus on at a time, maybe tinker with an indie on the side. Use the internal storage to run your primary game and keep your library favourites on the SD. Plus SD is hot swapable, no special prompts or a need to shut down device like on the Switch.

[@g3ng4rb0i3]

I cant get over that little screen with huge bezels

[@pandabean]

0:17 right indeed, Kevin. Come on man DIY

[@xKayNee]

Unless you really want the anti glare screen (I honestly prefer glossy screens, but the anti glare is still pretty vivid much more so than anti glare protectors), it's more efficient to get the 64GB model and buy a 1TB SSD.

[@Milpool707]

First yt vid I've seen in hdr

[@alexyeager7995]

I got the 64gb model and a 512gb sd card from samsung and my experience has been flawless

[@Isthatchicken01]

I have the 512gb model and I have filled about half of the storage already. I'm sure I will fill it later the more I use it (i've only had mine for only a few days) and I will probably use a mirco SD card when I eventually need the space. I have a feeling about 1/2 of what people have on their system they use on a regular basis, so keeping the majority of their games on an SD card won't be as big of an issue as most people make it out to be in terms of load times/overall speed. Keeping the games they care about load speeds directly on the system and the rest on an SD card.

[@bik3r230]

Load speeds from sd card is basicly the same

[@zardozx1370]

very clear explained - I took the 256 GB Deck + bought a SD card with 170 MB max speed (256 GB)

[@PixelShade]

What I can say as a user mixing AAA and indies, I am super happy with the 64GB model with an additional 512GB SD-card. I have a couple of large AAA games (Cyberpunk, Witcher 3, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Shenmue III), all being 50-90GB each, I also have some older older AAA games (Dead Space, Dishonored, Bioshock, Outrun C2C, Street Fighter IV and tons more) which takes up around 6-12GB and of course tons of indie titles. 58 games in total. If I don't have any games installed on my internal storage I only have 10GB left due to cloud saves, game specific proton files, shader cache etc. and a couple of apps in desktop mode of course. This renders the device rather useless as a desktop computer. But as a handheld gaming device it's great and I can always switch out the AAA games once I am done with them. :) Storage really only becomes an issue if you only intend to play AAA games. (which I think is a shame since there are so many good games out there, better adapted for the Steam Deck, that you are missing out on)

[@cobyabbygayle]

Thank you very much for your experience

[@nathanhigham5489]

unless it was like a minute load times, am i the only one not really bothered about longer load times? especially when youre paying so much money to save a few seconds..

[@Amp5150]

i got the largest SSD size and then got a 1TB sd card and thought I really could have saved that money and went with just the sd card

[@jasonnunya3875]

Thanks for doing this, you are very well-spoken and covered a lot of questions I've been having. I've been looking in to handhelds for the past week, love all the cool little retro units they have now. For perspective, the last one I bought was a GBA back when they first came out, so I've been out of the market for a few decades. Still an avid pc gamer with ~350 games on my Steam acct. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the $399 model if I can upgrade the internal drive and mod it for retro gaming without any headaches. Granted you don't need much for older games but it goes quick and I don't like to max out any storage. No way I'm paying an extra $250 for a half TB upgrade if I can double that for a fraction of the price. Thanks again for the info!! 👍👍

[@johnarkansas6033]

I was considering getting the lowest model one and just live on SD Cards. The games I'll be playing would be all of DMC, all of RE, all of MGS and other indies. That's it. I do hope that it becomes a smooth experience for me.

[@Shinssue]

don't, owner of 64gb model. Proton can fill this small storage in no time. If you can have a deal on 64gb model + 256gb ssd upgrade go for this, if not just get a 256gb from start.

[@Stalinfalcon]

Short answer: Yes, you do. That lurking Anon who is moar is an unwashed heathen!

[@JalapenoPrime]

I'm sitting with the 256GB for the best OS response also for modern games that might not play well with an SD card, and plan on getting a 512GB card, maybe a TB if it's on sale

[@RZonYT]

I do. I got the 512 GB model and a 1 TB micro sd, but I'm already running out of storage space, because some games have a ridiculous size nowadays.

[@OnlyGrafting]

Still going for it. My room is facing the sun from morning till down because of the latitude I'm at and how North I am. So yeah I'm gonna need some real good anti glare.

[@zues121510]

7:19 Quick note - quintupling something is increasing something by 5x, not 4x

[@raineyjayy]

Honestly just getting the highest class reasonable in an SD card on my 64GB and getting a Matte screen protector and I've had no real concerns with loading anything like Doom Eternal, Stray, CEMU

[@sca8217]

I got the 512 model during the anniversary sale... Got a good discount and would have amounted to about the same if I had closed to swap the SSD with a larger one. And yet, I'm also getting a 1tb microsd. Buyer's remorse is a b****... Just enjoy the device.

[@christiewillmon5910]

Who else wants a steam deck for the emulation capabilities? Lol most of the games my bf would add would be for emulators/roms since he couldn't keep all his old consoles and handheld like GBA, GameCube, etc

[@akakakakka9935]

best thing to do either replace the inside if u buy the 64gb or just by an sd

[@guess199]

Get what you want I got the 512 and it arrived Monday. If you upgrade the internal drive and mess up you sol

[@PhoenyxTTV]

can’t you use an external ssd?

[@TheRedneckTelevision]

Somthing to consider about about the 64gb, if you intend to install Linux apps they will only to the boot drive. Only some programs allow to choose a installation location like games. Anything from the desk app store and web browsers WILL NOT install to any other form of storage. For some reason Linux devs think people only have and need 1 drive period and will not even consider the idea of the easy of use of moving programs to other drives. I've argued with these people plenty on forums, they can't wrap their heads around the idea at all or refuse to.

[@Moriningland]

If you can afford it, yes get the 500 model. Keep in mind these are full size pc games. I got borderlands 3 and 2, doom eternal, mass effect trilogy and a small handful of other games on. 500 model and it’s full. You can transfer games from the micro card but it is very very slow and you can’t batch move. So it’s a real pain in the ass if you want to move multiple games at once. To move borderlands 3 took me a couple hours because I kept getting errors close to the end of the move. If you could batch move and just leave it then it would be easier but you’ve got to come back often and check on the move process so you can start the next game Plus the games run very very slow on the micro. Cup head on the micro had 20-30 second wait times each time which was painful. Do you need it? No. But you will certain want it so I’d say get the higher model if you can at all afford it or if you are invested in steam because this thing is AWESOME