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The white Steam Deck OLED has only just landed, but I'm already seeing ridiculously priced listings pop up on eBay. That's to be expected since it's only available in limited quantities, and by the time many of you are in position to buy one, it'll likely be all sold out at Valve. However, since it's Black Friday, I thought it'd be a nice time to point out ways you can make your own DIY version on the cheap.
Thanks to a handy Black Friday Steam Deck deal, you can currently grab a replacement white shell for $30.39 at Amazon (down from $37.99). If you've got the OLED version of Valve's gaming handheld already, that means you'll be able to dress it up like the limited edition model for less than most new game releases. There's also a kit for the LCD edition with the same 20% discount that's down to $36.79, which could serve as an even more affordable way to make your own white Deck.
Before anyone starts angrily shaking their fist, I'm not saying you should mod a Steam Deck with a white shell rather than buying the new version by default. The idea was more sparked by the fact that resellers are already listing their pre-orders for around a grand at various marketplaces, and the handheld's limited edition nature means it'll likely return to its home planet soon. Plus, even if you're able to buy it at Valve for $679, going down the DIY route might end up being the better option, particularly if you already own one of the previous versions.
Should you buy a white Steam Deck shell?
Before you pick up a white shell for your Steam Deck OLED or the original LCD version, it's worth stressing that you'll have to essentially operate on your handheld. If you're the type of player who'd rather never peer inside their gadgets, or you're just too lazy for a hands-on project, you'll probably want to just grab the real deal. However, if you're like me and love to tinker with gaming tech, the mod itself will be just as enjoyable as the results.
The last time I cracked open my Steam Deck was to install a larger 2TB WD Black SN770 SSD, and you're effectively half of the way there to replacing the shell with that mod. If you're also planning on picking up a new drive for your handheld this Black Friday, that could be the encouragement you need to hit two birds with one upgrade stone. That said, you will have to remove a lot of the portable's front to finish the job, including the triggers, touchpads, and thumbsticks.
Sounds doable? Great! Just make sure you've got the right tools for the job before diving in. I personally use an iFixit essentials kit to get inside the Deck successfully, so I'd consider grabbing one for $29.95 as a long term investment. If you decide to go for one of the eXtremeRate kits I've highlighted above, you'll want to triple check you're buying the right one for your specific handheld, as the OLED and LCD shells are precision cut and will only fit on their respective portables.
Other points to keep in mind are that while these third party shells will fit and are good quality, the look and feel will differ compared to an actual white Steam Deck OLED. For starters, Valve's official shell uses grey button and sticks to provide a bit of contrast, whereas the entire third party kits are the same color. From experience, unofficial shells are noticeably different to the touch too, but that's less of a con and more just a difference in plastic finish.
Looking for more savings? Swing by Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals and Black Friday PS5 deals for console discounts. Alternatively, check out Black Friday TV deals and grab a new living room screen.
