This Steam Deck Mistake Could Cost You $140 – Here’s How to Avoid It

by

Experience it yourself? You stash a gaming gadget for a while, anticipating its use again soon, only to discover it’s barely functioning when you finally dig it out. It could be an ancient Wii U, a neglected PSP, or even the latest handheld device like the Steam Deck. Prolonged disuse can bring about unforeseen problems. A major offender? Battery malfunction, which might render your device inoperable or necessitate costly repairs. Thankfully, there are methods to circumvent this predicament. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to steer clear of such issues.

A Costly Surprise After Months Away

During his six-month business journey, the thought of his Steam Deck was far from the player’s mind. Stowed away in a drawer, it remained untouched throughout the trip. However, unbeknownst to him, lithium batteries gradually lose charge even when not being used. If not periodically charged, the battery’s voltage could decrease significantly, potentially leading to permanent damage.

After he eventually reactivated the gadget, the battery ran out in just a few moments and died completely. The sole solution? A $140 battery replacement, but replacing it isn’t straightforward since the original has been glued down. What started as a simple preventive measure turned into an expensive and exasperating fix. This post, which received approximately 10,000 upvotes, was posted by a user who later deleted their account after learning this lesson firsthand.

Prevent Battery Damage on Steam Deck

To prevent an unexpected and costly issue of a dead battery, it’s crucial to take good care of your Steam Deck when it’s not being used. A straightforward method for this is by activating the “Battery Preservation Mode” prior to storing it for extended periods. This mode disengages the battery, thereby preventing it from draining excessively. Don’t forget to charge the battery to around 50-60% before turning on this mode.

To avoid the inconvenience of Steam Deck’s storage mode and potential battery damage, consider regularly charging your device every few months, even if it’s not in use. Maintaining a charge above 20% helps prolong its lifespan by preventing deep discharge, which can lead to costly replacements down the line.

I had these problems in the past! Are you going to use these tips? Tell us in the comments!

Read More

2025-02-20 14:40