Why it issues: If a Steam Deck wants repairs, DIY or mom-and-pop operations are not the one choices. Valve has touted its settlement with iFixit to supply alternative elements since launching its handheld gaming PC, however the firm additionally acknowledges that self-repair is not for everybody.

On Friday, Valve introduced that Steam Deck restore facilities are actually open. When a buyer contacts help and ships a unit to Valve, the corporate will diagnose a difficulty and decide a charge primarily based on the guarantee and repairs wanted.

One thing like an occasional button enter downside would fall below guarantee, which Valve will restore and return to the shopper without cost. One thing like a pet destroying a thumbstick could be an out-of-warranty situation and would face a restore cost. Valve did not specify prices however stated prospects may refuse a restore after getting a quote so they might strive an alternative choice, like an unaffiliated restore store or getting alternative elements from iFixit.

Valve suggested in opposition to DIY Steam Deck repairs however understood it could not cease each buyer from trying them. Thus, it uploaded a teardown video for the gadget and partnered with iFixit to supply alternative elements.

Restore equipment provides had been initially tight, however Valve just lately improved availability. Fan replacements are accessible for $30, whereas battery kits value $95. These costs are probably a bit greater than Valve’s devoted restore facilities cost however provide one other avenue for customers who need to observe Valve’s recommendation or aren’t comfy with self-repair.

Valve did not point out who performs repairs at its facilities, however they probably use third-party contractors. Nintendo makes use of exterior restore facilities for the Change, and one reported fixed saturation with requests to repair the system’s Pleasure-Con controllers. Hopefully, an identical downside should not happen with Steam Deck restore retailers.

Since opening orders for the Steam Deck, Valve has labored to enhance its provide chain, managing to maneuver This autumn reservations as much as Q3. Those that reserved one ought to nonetheless obtain it earlier than the tip of 2022. Those that have not ought to order one quickly if they need a Steam Deck earlier than subsequent 12 months.

Over time, Valve has sharpened its Proton compatibility layer for operating Home windows video games on Steam Deck’s Linux-based working system. Nevertheless, it is not the one group engaged on Home windows-Linux interoperability. Earlier this week, an replace for Wine included fixes for operating Home windows video games on Linux.