Valve’s Steam Deck just got a new refresh, one that comes with a beautiful OLED screen, slight hardware improvements, and more. Simply called Steam Deck OLED, it was officially launched on November 16, 2023, and is a great hit like the base version. Aside from that, one thing that’s been a constant source of worry for some users is getting their Deck broken and such. And so, it’s always good to know about the Steam Deck RMA process. You never know when that kind of knowledge might just come in handy.
RMA or Return Merchandise Authorization, is a process where a certain product is returned to the seller for the purpose of either replacement, refund, or repair. RMA’s are mostly done when the product is under its warranty period. Now, the Steam Deck is a pretty sturdy device, but at the end of the day, it’s a handheld, and handhelds can get damaged. So, here’s a guide on the Steam Deck RMA process that will prove helpful to you now and in the future.
Steam Deck RMA Process, time & how you can check status
Steam Deck customers can use RMA upon receiving a defective product or when they need a repair. The process is quite simple, too. You just need to head to the Steam Support page, sign in to your Steam account, and choose Steam Deck from the options present on the page. Next, scroll down and click on Contact Steam Support. Talk to the support team and communicate your issue. Don’t keep anything hidden from them. Mention any SSD changes, screen modifications, and such. If your issue is severe enough, support will initiate an RMA. You will be asked for your phone number, so don’t forget to give it to them. Steam will also email you two files. One contains a pre-paid shipping label, while the other will be an RMA instruction sheet.
Packing your Steam Deck
Once the RMA process starts and you get your shipping label, move on to packing your Steam Deck. If you have the original packaging available, use it; otherwise, get some good protective packing material. Valve specifically mentions that they will not be responsible for damage sustained during transit, so make sure that your packaging is solid and that there’s no room for movement inside the shipping box.
When packaging your deck, make sure to follow the instructions below:
- Back up your game data and extract the microSD card, if there’s one installed.
- Reset the Steam Deck via Settings > System > Reset to factory state.
- Don’t pack any cables in the packaging unless specifically stated by support.
- Include your RMA form inside the shipping box, and ensure that the serial numbers on the RMA form and the Deck match.
After all that, seal the shipping box and attach the shipping label to it. If Steam support asks you to include other documentation, do so. Also, record the tracking number mentioned on the shipping label. Send the package, and keep the receipt with you.
Now, when it comes to checking RMA status, there isn’t really a dedicated website to do that. The only way to check RMA status is by contacting support. Valve has been quite great at customer support, so we don’t think you need to worry about checking your Deck’s RMA status too much.
As for the entire RMA process, it can take somewhere between two and three weeks. There’s no set timeframe because it all depends on your Steam Deck’s issue and distance. Ultimately, nothing beats Valve when it comes to customer support.
And that’s all you really need to know when it comes to the entire Steam Deck RMA process. Now, if you would like to know how to enable and enjoy the new VRR feature on your Deck, take a look at this guide. For more guides like this, don’t forget to follow DigiStatement. Also, read: Steam Deck Oled shipping time for USA, UK, Australia & more
