Upgrading the SSD in your Steam Deck is a smart move if you need more storage or want to enhance performance. Cloning your current SSD ensures you don’t lose any data, including your games, settings, and configurations. Instead of starting fresh with a new SSD, you can simply replicate your existing drive onto the new one. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clone your Steam Deck’s SSD.
Tools You’ll Need
Before diving into the process, gather the necessary tools and hardware:
- A 2230 NVMe SSD: This is the SSD format that the Steam Deck uses. You’ll need a new one to replace your existing drive.
- NVMe Enclosure: This device will house your new SSD while it’s connected to your Steam Deck via USB.
- Dock or USB-C Adapter: This will connect your Steam Deck to your SSD enclosure.
- A Windows PC (Optional): If you prefer using third-party cloning software, you might need a computer.
- Screwdrivers (PH0/PH1): For opening up the Steam Deck to access the SSD.
Step 1: Enter Desktop Mode on Steam Deck
Start by powering on your Steam Deck and entering Desktop Mode. Hold the power button and select the option to switch to desktop. This is where you’ll perform the cloning operation, using the Linux-based terminal known as Konsole.
Step 2: Set a Sudo Password
In Desktop Mode, open Konsole (the terminal application for Steam Deck). Before proceeding with any disk operations, you’ll need to set up a sudo password. This password is crucial for granting administrative permissions during the cloning process. To do this, type passwd and follow the prompts. Choose a simple password, as the terminal doesn’t display characters when you type it in.
Step 3: Identify Your Current SSD
Once your password is set, you’ll need to identify the current SSD’s name in your Steam Deck. Run the following command in the Konsole:
sudo lsblk
This command lists all connected storage devices. Your Steam Deck’s internal SSD should be labeled with a name like nvme0n1. Make a note of this, as you will need it for the cloning command.
Step 4: Connect the New SSD
Next, connect your new SSD to the Steam Deck via the NVMe enclosure and USB-C dock. This allows the new drive to be recognized by the system for the cloning process. Once connected, ensure the SSD is visible by running the lsblk command again to verify that the new drive is listed.
Step 5: Clone the SSD
Now you’re ready to clone your SSD. In the Konsole, run the following command:
sudo dd if=/dev/your-current-ssd-name of=/dev/new-ssd-name oflag=sync bs=128M status=progress
Replace your-current-ssd-name and new-ssd-name with the actual device names you noted earlier. This command tells the system to copy all data from your existing SSD to the new one. Be patient—this process may take a while, depending on how much data you have stored on your Steam Deck.
Step 6: Swap the SSDs
Once the cloning process is complete, turn off your Steam Deck. You’ll now need to physically swap the SSDs. Carefully unscrew the back cover of your Steam Deck using the PH0/PH1 screwdriver. After removing the cover, locate the SSD and replace it with the new one. Reassemble your Steam Deck.
Step 7: Boot Up and Verify
Power on your Steam Deck. If everything has gone smoothly, it should boot up without any issues, exactly as it did with the old SSD. All of your games, settings, and configurations should remain intact. You can check the storage details to confirm that the system recognizes the increased capacity of your new SSD.
Alternative Method: Using a PC and Cloning Software
If you’re more comfortable using third-party software, you can also perform the cloning operation via a Windows PC. Tools like AOMEI Backupper or Clonezilla can simplify the process. In this method, both the old and new SSDs are connected to a PC, where the cloning software handles the data transfer. This approach might be easier if you prefer a more visual interface compared to the Konsole commands.
Why Clone Instead of Reimage?
While reimaging your Steam Deck with a fresh copy of SteamOS is always an option, cloning offers several advantages. It’s a much faster process, and it retains all of your current settings, configurations, and game installations. This means you won’t need to spend time reinstalling everything or reconfiguring your custom settings, saving you a lot of hassle.
Cloning your Steam Deck’s SSD is a relatively straightforward process that can significantly enhance your device’s storage capacity without the need to start from scratch. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to enjoy your Steam Deck with all your data intact and plenty of room for new games.
