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Happy Friday the 13th, dear readers.
As this eerie day falls in October this year, it’s especially ominous.
Steam Deck JSAUX Shell Swap(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
Disclaimer:This tale of woe was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by JSAUX.
But for a story of this nature, a bit of chill in the air seems fitting.
How hard could it be?
Steam Deck JSAUX Shell Swap(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
The video guide appeared straightforward, specifying the size of screws to loosen and tighten at each step.
I was feeling pretty confident.
We strongly recommend that you seek the help of a professional repairer.
Steam Deck JSAUX Shell Swap(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
“But that warning surely didn’t apply to me.
It felt like only one screw stood between me and greatness.
Desperation led me to a drastic decision I needed to hacksaw my way through it.
Steam Deck JSAUX Shell Swap(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
“Why didn’t you ask me for help?”
“I’m an independent woman.”
“For f**k sake” he sighed.
No screwdriver worked, there was only one terrible solution, or so I thought.
Dissecting the Steam Deck
So many screws to unwind, so many wires to unpick.
I continued with my task, but the promised 3 to 5 hours now felt like a gross underestimation.
These connections were stubborn, almost as if I wasn’t supposed to be doing this.
Disassembling the triggers and joysticks, on the other hand, was fascinating.
Despite the initial hiccup with the back screw, it seemed smooth sailing.
Until the tutorial sprang a jump scare I hadn’t anticipated.
Steam Deck JSAUX Shell Swap(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
It started giving me instructions on how to remove the screen.Cuttingadhesive?Pryingthe screen away?
My heart raced; I hadn’t been prepared for this level of gore.
It was also now late in the day, well past the initial 5 hours the tutorial had promised.
Steam Deck JSAUX Shell Swap(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
I was 8 hours deep.
I waved the screen triumphantly at my friends, “I’VE DONE IT.”
The eerie reality, an unresponsive screen
But the ordeal wasn’t over.
Beads of sweat rolled down my face; this was a make-or-break moment.
Before sealing the machine, the tutorial advised me to turn on the Steam Deck to ensure it worked.
With trepidation, I pressed the power button.
The Steam Deck lay there, silent and lifeless.
But at this point, I desperately needed a glass.
I had to step away and take a break.
I disassembled the Steam Deck once more, hoping to rectify the issue.
I reassembled it carefully, making sure I didn’t miss a single detail.
You know, the thing that powers the machine in the first place.
My GHD hairdryer had 3 heat settings, perfect for the job of torturing my Steam Deck screen.
I had disassembled it again for no reason.
The Steam Deck beeped, signifying it was alive.
ALIVE I TELL YOU.
The deed was done
The Steam Deck beeped, signifying it was alive.
ALIVE I TELL YOU.
It was an unresponsive, a black hole.
The lights are on, but nobody is home.
The light was on but nobody was home.
Insert other analogies of hopelessness here.
I had broken it.
A beautful corpse: Here lies the Steam Deck 10/27/2023 - 07/23/2023
I had destroyed my Steam Deck in my quest to make it beautiful.
It was an expensive lesson learned.
My Steam Deck now lay in its beautiful Atomic Purple coffin.
But it’s safe to say my days of tampering with Steam Decks are behind me.
It can be done, though, and many people on Reddit have completed shell swaps with stunning results.
If you believe you have the skills, JSAUX offers a great range on Amazon in various colors.
But take my warning seriously; it’s not an adventure for the faint of heart.
The Steam Deck was already beautifulon the inside.
