Valve's Steam Deck handheld gaming console is one of the most successful devices of its kind next to the Nintendo Switch. However, maintaining or repairing them can be tough, even with iFixit's help and Valve's recently established service centers.
Repairing the device on your own is a solution, but without knowing which part is which, it could be risky. Thankfully, Valve has a solution for that.
The popular video game developer, publisher, and distributor announced it added a component lookup view feature in its latest Steam Deck Client Beta update.
The feature is now available to download and use through the Steam Deck's Steam Update Channel.
Steam Deck Component Lookup View Details
Valve mentioned in its announcement that its new component lookup view would allow Steam Deck users to view the model and manufacturer of their Steam Deck's major components without opening the device, which could damage it instead.
The information provided by this new feature will prove useful to customers who wish to repair or replace components with the help of iFixit, allowing them to replace much-needed parts with the exact same ones should they be damaged or in need of repairs.
Unfortunately, this new feature will only work with factory-installed components, and as such, it won't display a replacement component's model and manufacturer, per The Verge.
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Even so, the feature, along with the additional clarity and transparency it brings, has been long requested by Steam Deck users to help them repair their devices.
The new feature was described as a God-send to Steam Deck owners, as knowing the exact model and manufacturer of a certain component could help them solve various problems.
You may remember that Youtuber Gamers Nexus discovered that Valve used two kinds of cooling fans to manufacture its Steam Decks: one from Huaying, and one from Delta.
Gamers Nexus' video revealed that Delta's fan was noisier than Huaying's despite having the same design.
Without the new component lookup view, Steam Deck owners may be compelled to open their devices to discover if their cooling fan was from Huaying or Delta, which could be risky.
How To Download And Install Steam Deck's Component Lookup View
Steam Deck owners that wish to have the feature on their device can do so by opting into the beta before downloading it. To do so, Valve advises Steam Deck owners to go to the device's Settings menu and open the System tab. Afterward, users should choose "Steam Update Channel" to opt into the current Client Beta.
After downloading the component lookup view feature, Steam Deck users can access it by going back to the Settings menu and opening up the System tab. However, instead of choosing "Steam Update Channel," users should select the "Model/Serial Numbers button" located under the Hardware header to get a snapshot of the parts that were installed into their specific Steam Deck.
Valve has yet to reveal when this feature will transition from its beta build into the device's full build.
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