Valve announces Steam Deck, a handheld console with Steam and all the features already built in.
Steam is expanding and entering the handheld console market. After rumours about a handheld from Valve have been circulating in recent months, it is now official: In February 2022, a portable version of Steam will be released with “Steam Deck”.
We summarise the most important information about the new console for you and tell you when it will be released.
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All you need to know about the Steam Deck
Steam Deck will be available for shipping on 25 February 2022. Initially, however, only customers who have already reserved a console in good time may order. They will then receive an email and have three days to complete their purchase – after that, the reservation will expire and the next customer in the queue will move up. According to the Steam FAQ, this is to ensure a fair ordering process. You can pre-order the Steam Deck directly in the Steam Store.
The consoles will be shipped from 28 February 2022. You can see the first pictures of the console here:
Versions: What editions are there of the Steam Deck?
There will be three versions at release:
- 64 GB eMMC Handheld for 419 Euro
- 256 GB NVMe-SSD Handheld for 549 Euro
- 512 GB NVMe-SSD Handheld for 679 Euro
The versions should not differ in their performance, only the differently fast hard drives should have an effect on loading speeds. In terms of frame rate and graphic details, all versions offer an identical level. The charging cable is also equally short at 1.5 metres for all versions.
Where else do the versions differ?
The smallest version has 64 GB eMMC memory. The two larger versions have NVMe SSD storage. The version for 549 euros also comes with an exclusive Steam Community Profile bundle.
In the version for 679 euros, the memory is significantly larger at 512 GB. The handheld also comes with anti-reflective and etched glass. The exclusive Steam Community Profile bundle is also included here, as well as a virtual keyboard with an exclusive design.
Can the internal memory be replaced?
In an exchange with a (), Gabe Newell himself confirmed that the Steam Deck’s internal memory slot allows for hardware swapping. In the English-language Tech Specs, the memory info has already been added, but not in the German one. Specifically, it says:
All models use socketed 2230 m.2 modules (not intended for end-user replacement).
It explicitly warns against making independent modifications to the Steam Deck’s internal hardware. By the way, the main memory cannot be expanded anyway.
Can I expand the memory via SD card slot?
Yes, you can expand the memory of the Steam Deck with additional SD cards. Similar to the Switch, the device offers an SD card slot into which you can insert a memory card of your choice. Whether it’s worth it to expand the cheaper 64 GB version externally or to go straight for the expensive model, you’ll have to work out for yourself in case of doubt depending on the desired memory size.
Can I also boot directly from the SD card?
The Steam Deck uses the ext4 file system for the SD memory cards and formats the inserted cards automatically. You can then use all the features, including direct boot. For example, you can prepare an SD card with retro systems like RetroArch and access it directly without having to load your internal memory.
Especially for buyers of the low-priced Steam Deck variant with only 64 GB of internal memory, this SD functionality should be a reason for joy.
Battery life: How long can I play?
Built in is a 40 watt hour battery, which according to Valve should allow 2 to 8 hours of gameplay. Of course, the specific performance depends heavily on the game in question. In the IGN reveal (more on this below), Portal 2 is cited as an example, which you can play at full details for just under 4 hours before you run out of juice. A Cyberpunk 2077 should logically eat a hole in the battery in significantly less hours, while power-saving indie games last longer.
According to Valve, the full 8 hours will only be possible if you don’t play on the console yourself, but use it to stream from another PC or via a service like Google Stadia.
Weight: How heavy is the Steam Deck?
Due to the built-in battery, hardware and size, the Steam Deck weighs a whopping 669 grams. While that’s not prohibitively heavy for a handheld device, it’s almost 300 grams heavier than the regular Switch with Joy-Cons attached (398 grams). The Steam Deck is even slightly heavier than the 12.9-inch variant of the iPad Pro.
Ultimately, it is not only the weight that determines whether a device can be held comfortably in the hand for long periods of time. The curved controller grips on the sides of the Steam Deck should greatly benefit the feel. Nevertheless, the Steam Deck will probably be too heavy, especially for kids, over longer periods of time.
Performance: How powerful is the Steam Deck?
We have not yet been able to test the Steam Deck ourselves and can therefore only refer to the official information from Valve. The Steam Deck was developed in cooperation with AMD and a specially developed Zen2/RDNA2 processor was installed inside:
- Processor: AMD APU
- CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4 – 3.5 GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
- GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0 – 1.6 GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM (5500 MT/s)
- Resolution: 1280 × 800 Pixel (16:10 Aspect Ratio)
- Display size: 7 inches diagonal
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Benchmarks already give a foretaste
As many dev kits have already been sent out to developers, new benchmarks and more details about the Steam Deck’s performance are gradually leaking out. How the handheld is expected to perform in Doom Eternal, Cyberpunk 2077 and more games
In addition to the integrated memory, there will also be a slot for micro-SD cards. The handheld will be charged via a USB-C socket, which can also be used to connect other peripherals. This means you can also connect the Steam Deck to a monitor. The operating system used by Valve is the self-developed, Linux-based SteamOS 3.0. The Steam Deck also has Bluetooth, which can be used to connect not only mouse and keyboard, but also Bluetooth headphones or controllers.
Thanks to the 720p resolution, even demanding games should run properly with the existing hardware. However, we still have to wait for concrete benchmarks.
All information on the technical details can be found in the (official overview).
The English-speaking colleagues from IGN have already tried out the Steam Deck. We have included the presentation video for you below:
Games: What titles run on the Steam deck?
The Steam Deck supports SteamOS 3.0 “out of the box”, a Linux-based operating system whose compatibility Valve has been pushing for years. In the (ProtonDB overview) you can find a list of all Steam games that already run very well under Linux.
These include CS:GO, Total War: Warhammer 2, Payday 2, Civilization 5 and Ark. On Steam itself you can find almost 7,500 games that officially support Linux and Steam OS. Compared to the total of around 55,000 games, this is a comparatively small number.
Simplified rating system for a better overview
Nevertheless, Valve is said to spare no effort to make as many games as possible run on the Steam Deck. They check the entire Steam catalogue for compatibility! Each game is finally classified into one of four categories, so that customers immediately know how well the title runs on their handheld:
- Verified: Means the game has full controller support, no other compatibility issues, and supports the native resolution of the Steam Deck.
- Playable: Some user adjustments may be required, such as using a control profile from the community or using the touchscreen to operate an upstream launcher, etc.
- Not supported: Should be self-explanatory. Valve gives the example of Half-Life: Alyx.
- Unknown: Valve has not yet checked the compatibility.
Can I play GOG titles on the Steam Deck? Officially, there is no support for games you purchase through the GOG platform. However, on Twitter, GOG expressed confidence that it should still theoretically be possible to install Windows on the Steam Deck and then access the GOG library. The pre-installed SteamOS operating system is Linux-based.
Hey @GOGcom : Have you announced support for the upcoming Valve Steam Deck? Is that even possible? I will be reviewing it for YouTube when it launches and I’d LOVE to be able to play your amazing library on it if possible. @OnDeck
– Metal Jesus Rocks (@MetalJesusRocks) February 20, 2022
n the comments, many point out that GOG also sells Linux versions, which should run fine on the Steam deck. In addition, some commenters are sceptical about whether it is really advisable to install Windows on the device – whether this will cause problems will probably only become clear after the release.
New videos show how well games run
Want to know how well The Witcher 3, Psychonauts 2, Devil May Cry 5 and other titles run on the Steam Deck? Then check out these videos:
Shop: How do I buy games on the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck does have a 7-inch display, which should be enough for mobile gaming fun, but what about the Steam software itself? How can you buy games in the shop on the handheld when the Steam interface is rather small?
The answer is provided by a tweet from Pavel Djundik, founder of the well-known platform SteamDB. In it, we see some pictures of the reworked Steam shop, which has clearly been adapted for the smaller format on the Steam Deck. The so-called tablet mode could, of course, also find its way onto other platforms, such as smartphones.
Valve are working on getting the Steam store ready for the Steam Deck (they also call it a tablet mode). pic.twitter.com/PP4QMtbIKZ
– Pavel Djundik (@thexpaw) October 30, 2021
So judging by the images of the new tablet mode, you should also be able to buy new games or download already purchased games relatively easily on the Steam Deck.
BIOS and Multi-Boot: Can I also use Windows on the Steam Deck?
Valve has confirmed that the Steam Deck works like a mobile PC. Alternatively, you can simply install Windows on it and – if the hardware allows it – play regular Windows games there. Possibly even via Game Pass. The range of supported games can be extended – but the first real game impressions are of course very exciting.
Other operating systems can also be installed on the Steam Deck thanks to the multi-boot option. So if you’re in the mood for tinkering, you shouldn’t encounter any technical hurdles. Users will also have access to the BIOS, according to Valve.
Will the Steam Deck support cloud gaming?
Theoretically, the Steam Deck should support all the cloud services you can use on regular Windows PCs. So also Stadia.
Microsoft has already provided clarity in the person of Phil Spencer. He was allowed to test the Steam Deck in advance and is impressed by Valve’s handheld. According to him, Microsoft titles like Age of Empires and Halo run smoothly on it. In the course of this, he also makes a concrete statement about xCloud – namely that the cloud gaming service is also supposed to work well on the device.
What @valvesoftware this week talking w/ Scott, Erik, Gabe about Steam Deck. After having mine most of the week I can say it’s a really nice device. Games with me on the go, screen size, controls all great. Playing Halo and Age feels good, xCloud works well. Congrats SD team. pic.twitter.com/q4hWBvkk85
– Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 13, 2021
In view of Microsoft’s cloud gaming efforts in conjunction with its own Game Pass, the device could become an interesting handheld alternative to streaming via smartphone in the long term.
Does the Steam Deck have a touchscreen?
The display of the Steam Deck comes with a 7-inch touchscreen in all versions, which should play a major role especially in the operation of the user interface. However, we do not yet know how many games can be actively operated with it.
In addition to the touchscreen, the Steam Deck has two trackpads on the left and right of the screen, which you can use to simulate mouse operation (for strategy games, for example). And a gyro sensor is also hidden under the bonnet – here, too, it remains to be seen which Steam games will make use of it.
For comparison: The size of the Steam Deck screen is roughly the same as that of the freshly announced OLED Switch, so it is slightly larger than the old 6.2-inch Switch.
Does the Steam Deck connect to the TV?
A docking station will also follow later this year. The docking station will be sold separately and will have the following connections:
- DisplayPort 1.4
- USB 3.1
- HDMI 2.0
- Ethernet
- USB 3.1
- 2 x USB 2.0
Nothing is currently known about the price of the docking station. We also don’t know when you can expect a price or release for the docking station. However, you will be able to connect the Steam Deck to compatible devices directly at launch via the USB-C port that is currently available.
However, you have to bear in mind that the performance in TV mode remains the same as in handheld mode. There is no performance increase like on the Nintendo Switch, which delivers more FPS and a higher resolution when docked.
External GPUs: Can you connect the Steam Deck to external graphics cards?
No, according to the official website, Steam Deck will not support external graphics cards. Meaning you won’t be able to connect more powerful GPUs via external hardware dock to improve performance.
Can the Steam Deck also be used as a controller on PC?
In a FAQ with the most frequently asked questions, Valve has also answered this question clearly: Yes, your Steam Deck can also connect to the PC via Remote Play. Then the handheld can also be used as a pure controller!
With the announcement of the Steam Deck, some of our predictions about Valve’s future come true. Project Proton, which was still shrouded in mystery at the time, seems to have been revealed. What else we’ve predicted for Steam.
What do you say to Valve’s Steam Deck? Are you considering buying this console? If so, what’s the most telling reason for you, and if not, what’s stopping you? Write it down for us in the comments. We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
