Yes, get an ssd first. The 64g version doesn’t just have small storage size but it has slow storage type.

It’s absolutely worth the $20 to get at least a 128g 2230 nvme disk, and 1tb can be had for within $10 of a same size SD card.

I would at least get a 256 GB SD card. Some newer games don’t fit on a 128 GB card. However, upgrading the internal SSD is probably even better, if you can do it.

Don’t worry about the deck’s cooling, the built in fan is fine. It will work fine with a case as well as long as the case doesn’t cover the vents.

It’s possible to get by with a 64gb deck and microSD cards, but it can be difficult. Even if you don’t install any games to the internal storage, things like shader cache will still be saved to the internal storage and can fill it up. A faster, larger SSD is really nice. Opening the deck isn’t very hard (just make sure you use a proper size screwdriver, make sure it’s fully inserted in the screws before turning them, and don’t overtighten when you put them back).

From what I’ve seen:

Many of the fans seem to be such different sizes, placements, etc. It seems like no one really knows how to cool the steam deck from the back at this time.

I have also never seen someone’s default steam deck getting overheating issues. But I don’t work for valve’s warranty/RMA department.

Personally, I haven’t had any issues playing GTAV on my steam deck directly in my lap. A friend of mine has the JSAUX plastic back plate, their thermal pad doesn’t fit flush, and removing the thermal pad doesn’t affect temperature more or less than the original.

I am of the opinion that no accessory is needed for 1-2 hours of play in terms of cooling, it will be fine for years to come. Battery, however, will be your main issue. I’d get an external battery, and some companies make cases that can hold the battery to the back.

Let me know if you need any help getting your steam deck set up! Or if you need any advice on some things you should do first with your SD.

People love accessories, but the Steam Deck is fantastic right out of the box, and very little is a requirement. For you, I would say these are the only requirements:

• A way to connect the Deck to a screen. A simple USB-C to HDMI connector will work, but if you plan on plugging in a mouse and keyboard, you may want a dock or USB hub, something that has all the USB ports you need.
• A mouse and keyboard for working on a desktop, of course.
• Storage. Your 128gb micro SD card should be fine.

You might want to get a bigger micro SD card. It can absolutely handle one game at a time-- It can handle many games at a time! Stray is only ten gigs. You’re also using it as a work PC, though. I don’t know how much storage your job needs, but it’s possible that managing your storage could get annoying. The PC gaming elitist in me doesn’t want to recommend anything less than a 512gb card, but I don’t think that’s a strict requirement so I’ll leave that up to you. If you do upgrade, I would recommend a bigger SD card over a new SSD since SD cards are way easier and less risky.

When you say you want a case, do you mean something that you clip on to the Deck? I would recommend avoiding that. It’ll mess with the ergonomics of the device. I don’t know if it’ll affect temperature or not so I won’t comment on that. If you’re talking about something like a carrying case, though, that could be a decent investment. The carrying case that the Deck comes with is excellent, but it’s not big enough to store all of your accessories if that’s what you’re going for.

Get the SSD before anything else. 2TB can be had for $114

I wouldn’t buy any accessories other than an SD card and a “dock”. The stock cooling of the Deck is fine unless you plan to game in scorching heat: https://twitter.com/OnDeck/status/1549467955754217473

In my experience the back side gets a bit hot, but it’s not where you touch the device, and as long as the APU is cool enough, I wouldn’t see this as a problem.

About the “dock”: Any USB hub with Power Delivery (min 45W) and an HDMI port is fine. I’m using a D-Link one and am very happy with it.

A case won’t hurt cooling unless it blocks airflow. The deck doesn’t cool meaningfully through the body, so insulating the body doesn’t matter.

Unless you only play indie games I would save for a larger micros card. You can get 1tb ones pretty cheap now and they’re just as fast as the internal storage. You don’t need anything else.

I dont think anything is necessary, other than upgrading your storage. I considered an SD card, and decided the price break was just better overall for an ssd. I got a western digital 512 for like 55 bucks I think.

The hardest part of the swap was getting the case apart. I did watch a couple of videos for tips before I did it though… it made it pretty painless. the biggest pro tip was to start the separation of the case by one of the trigger buttons, and just run a credit card along it to pop the tabs. Another suggestion is if you dont have a set of tiny screwdrivers, i would recommend getting a cheapo kit. I had one I made due with, but even it was slightly too big for the task.

Like I said, I would watch a couple of vids so you know what to do as you proceed, how to flash the new ssd with the os, etc. It really isnt that hard. I am not too terribly of a tech savvy person and was able to do it.

I just got the bottom dollar deck, and it came with a case btw. I bought a cheap dock off of Aliexpress and it works fine. I think I paid under $25 for it… i am certain you could probably get the same one on amazon for ~the same price. I definitely wouldnt buy the valve dock. If you dont have a controller, the world is your oyster. I bought a cheapo $30 bitdo.

I think the brand of screen protector I bought was Ivoler, and it was a very easy install… it came with a “frame” to square the glass install.

Good luck, i have been enjoying mine.

I just put in a Solidigm 1TB for under $90 CAD. More work than a microSD but if you’re handy with electronics it’s not hard.

How much space you need really depends on the games you will play. Indi games are not a problem and you could run those off a microSD without issue, but it will limit you. Some games are easily 60GB+ now.

Most people have already addressed the fact that you’ll need more SSD space and that other accessories aren’t strictly required; but here’s what I got:

• Laptop 65W USB-C PD chargers off eBay (cost £18 each instead of £30 for a USB PD charger +£10 for a cable). Have a look at PD power banks as well if that’s something of use to you.

• A hoodie with a big pocket on the front. Perfect for carrying around the Deck in the pocket.

• This 90° elbow connector from Ali Express to play while plugged in.

• Deckmate for attaching anything you want to the Deck.

• 8bitDo makes for a perfect controller to use with the Deck (whichever flavour you like).

• Whichever wired/wireless earphones you like

• Any universal USB-C hub you like. People tend to be fixated on a dock. I personally don’t see any reason for a Deck to be propped upright. A flat universal hub can be packed in a bag easier and used with your laptop too.

• Back button enhancers.

• I haven’t needed to open up my Deck since I got the 512 version, but if I ever do open it I’ll put in hall effect joysticks.

• I already had an air mouse/keyboard lying around which I use to do quick tasks in desktop mode without having to connect it to my computer monitor. The Unified Remote Android app works well for this as well.

• a lot of people have put skins and cases on theirs but I haven’t. See if that’s something you would like.

• You could get a screen protector as well. I didn’t since I got the 512 GB version.

You are fine for now. You will notice when storage starts to run out. Most important thing right now is understanding how everything works on Linux and the Deck specifically. How it handles shaders, why storage runs out even if you dont have games on the internal storage, etc.

Start looking into som videos about the deck. Download cryo utilities and follow that setup, you learn a lot and speed your Deck up while at it. Only suggestion coming from a fellow 64gb user is to not use more than maybe 8gb of storage for the extra “ram” you can create. You will run out of space. And don’t install any games directly on the Deck whatsoever. Only use that external storage.

When, or if, you start to run out. A 1tb sd instead of your 128gb could be the easiest option and requires 0 tinkering. I swapped the internal storage myself just about 3 days ago and it was super easy. But just getting a 1tb sd is probably best for most people anyway.

Welcome to the gang. Enjoy. Your purchase was a great one.

2 hands. My friend has 1 hand and highly recommends 2.