Valve has secured a deal with iFixit to act as a certified retailer for replacement parts for the upcoming Steam Deck portable games console. They won't be the only one either, making sure that components that may fail in the Steam Deck can be relatively easily and affordably replaced, extending the life of the system, and opening up the potential for hardware modifications to change the Steam Deck to your personal preferences post purchase.
The right to repair our devices is a hotly debated topic, with some major companies shying away from it to encourage certified repairs and replacements, while many users argue that it's their hardware, they should be able to fix it if it's possible. Valve clearly agrees with the latter base, as with the Steam Deck youll be able to easily replace most of the interactive components, like the thumbsticks and face buttons, and though battery replacement is a bit more tricky, it can be done.
Valve has even released a CAD file for the outer shell, allowing those with 3D printers, or those with access to one, can print a new chassis for the Steam Deck, should it become damaged over time.
Along with the newly announced partnership, iFixit has published its Steam Deck teardown and a number of guides on how to replace certain components, should you wish to do so with your Steam Deck in the future.