SSDs for Steam Deck? Framework Develops One, Also Available for Microsoft Surface—Where to Buy

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 10 February 2023, 11:02 pm

SSDs are primarily offered as chip-like components or those enclosed in external hard drive frames, but Framework is now offering them for devices like the Steam Deck and Microsoft Surface. These latest products from the famous computer company give a significant upgrade for the console, one that could deliver faster storage and better game experiences.

For the longest time, SSDs have been chiefly used for computers and laptops to provide an impeccable storage option for PCs without the worry of slow drive read and write and other capabilities.

SSD for Steam Deck? Framework Delivers This

(Photo : Framework Blog)

Framework released a blog post that details their latest development for portable devices available in the market. One needs more USB-A female ports to connect hard drives for external storage.

The company developed a solid-state drive (SSD) for the Steam Deck, which Framework claims will upgrade its storage options and gaming experience.

Framework said it does not use the typical M.2 2280-sized SSDs, but rather the 2230 variants, with its source, Western Digital.

It has already made its first batch of releases available in the Marketplace for the US and Canada regions, and it is soon to explore its availability in the European area.

Where to Buy Framework's SSDs

Framework already has a listing for the Western Digital SN740 NVMe- M.2 2230 2-terabyte SSDs on their marketplace, which users may buy for $300.

It is relatively easy to run out of stock, but the company said that it is regularly ordering these from WD. The SSD is currently out of stock, but users may sign up for the updates to get notified when it is next available.

On the other hand, users may need to tweak their Steam Decks to install the SSD, and it also provided a guide via iFixIt to help in this mod.

Framework said that this mod and SSD upgrade is also applicable for Microsoft Surface laptops, should they want to change their hard drive.

Steam Deck Accessories

Since the dawn of Valve's famous portable gaming console, many companies already offer different accessories and tweaks to the device to make gaming better or appease their use of it. One of the most famous mods for the Steam Deck is a see-through heatsink backplate that also makes the device cooler.

There is also an official accessory from Valve available during the early days of the Steam Deck, and it is the Docking Station that will give the console its official stand on one's desktop. It doubles as a charging station to provide the device a place to replenish its batteries while waiting for its next gaming session for its owners.

One of the most famous portable gaming consoles now is the Valve Steam Deck. Before Framework's development, the only expandable storage option it brought was via a Micro SD card. While PlayStations, Xboxes, and PCs use SSDs to store games and improve their experience, this is now available for the Steam Deck to elevate portable gaming.