The Tinkering Spirit and the Steam Deck OLED
For those with a penchant for tinkering, the announcement of the Steam Deck OLED by Valve sparked immediate curiosity. The question on many minds was whether it would be possible to take the OLED screen and swap it into an original Steam Deck. This idea stems from the DIY community’s enthusiasm for upgrading and personalizing their tech.
Internal Differences Between Steam Deck OLED and LCD
The Steam Deck OLED is not just a simple screen upgrade from the original Steam Deck LCD version. The introduction of the OLED technology has led to significant internal redesigns to accommodate the new display’s form factor and capabilities.
| Steam Deck OLED | Steam Deck LCD |
|---|---|
| Thinner display technology | Traditional LCD screen |
| Larger 50Wh battery | Standard battery size |
| Bigger and quieter cooling fan | Standard cooling fan |
| Improved heat pipe and heat exchanger | Standard heat management |
Compatibility and Swapping Parts
Valve has made it clear that the parts between the Steam Deck OLED and the original Steam Deck LCD are not interchangeable. According to Deck developer Lawrence Yang, the extensive internal changes mean that swapping parts between the two versions is not feasible.
- OLED display module
- 50Wh battery
- Redesigned cooling fan
- Enhanced heat pipe and heat exchanger
The Attempt to Upgrade
Despite Valve’s warnings, it is anticipated that tech enthusiasts will attempt to fit the OLED panel into the older Steam Deck model. While the spirit of innovation is commendable, the outcome of such DIY upgrades is uncertain and could potentially lead to suboptimal performance or even damage to the device.
Valve’s Partnership with iFixit
Valve is likely to continue its partnership with iFixit for the distribution of Steam Deck parts, supporting the right to repair movement. This collaboration has been beneficial in the past, allowing users to access genuine parts for repairs and upgrades.
Final Thoughts on Steam Deck OLED Upgradeability
In conclusion, while the allure of upgrading to the Steam Deck OLED display is strong among the tech community, Valve’s design decisions have made it clear that such modifications are not recommended. The internal differences between the OLED and Steam Deck LCD versions suggest that users should consider purchasing the new model rather than attempting a risky DIY upgrade. Valve’s commitment to the right to repair through its partnership with iFixit ensures that support for the original Steam Deck will continue.
