I just got the new OLED Steam Deck and started using it today, but it keeps crashing all the time. Most crashes happen in Desktop mode since I mostly use it that way, but I’ve also seen crashes just navigating the Steam settings in Gaming mode. There’s no clear pattern to when it happens. For example, it crashed when I was adjusting button layouts in Steam settings, frozen up while typing a search in Firefox’s onscreen keyboard in Desktop mode, and also crashed a few times playing Dreamcast games on Flycast emulator. I’ve tried a factory reset with no luck. One weird thing is that when it crashes in Desktop mode, the trackpads stop clicking visually but keep giving physical click feedback after a few seconds, yet the system remains frozen and the pointer doesn’t move. I’m wondering if anyone else has had similar issues or knows a simple fix, or if I should just send this back for a replacement?
3 Answers
Sounds like your Steam Deck might have a hardware issue, especially since you’ve already done a factory reset and the crashes happen even in stock apps and emulators. Random crashes without a clear cause often point to a faulty unit. I’d recommend filing an RMA with the retailer or Valve support to get a replacement while it’s still under warranty.
I’ve heard similar problems from a few folks with the new OLED models where the device locks up randomly even after reinstalling the OS or resetting it. Sometimes Steam support might ask you to reimage your Deck, but if the problem persists afterward, it usually means the hardware is defective. An RMA is probably your best bet to avoid ongoing headaches.
Just to double-check: You mentioned you installed Firefox and Flycast, and even tried Emudeck briefly. Since you had crashes before Emudeck, it’s probably not emulator-related. But if you want to be sure, try running the Deck purely in Steam mode for some time and see if it crashes. If it does, that’s another sign pointing to hardware problems rather than software conflicts.
PLATFORM INFORMATION
Thanks for confirming that. I’ve already contacted Valve support and am waiting for their response, but knowing others face this too helps.