Steam Deck: Everything we know about Valve’s new handheld gaming device
Valve is getting into the handheld gaming business. The rumors were right and the Steam Deck is coming this year: a handheld device that can play any game in your Steam library. It’s aiming to be the Nintendo Switch for PC gaming, essentially, though the Steam Deck can do a lot more than just play games.
That’s because it’s not a games console, it’s really a portable PC. You can plug it into a monitor or a TV, install apps and software, use it to watch streaming video, and more—even install other game stores on it, according to Valve. The Steam Deck will run on a new version of SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system, though you’ll be able to play Windows games that don’t have official Linux support using Valve’s compatibility tech, Proton, or even uninstall SteamOS and just install Windows.
Here’s everything we know about the Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck will begin shipping in December 2021.
Currently a Steam Deck can be reserved if you put down a $5 deposit, though Steam’s servers were immediately overwhelmed when the reservation page went online. Customers trying to reserve a Steam Deck were faced with timeouts and error messages, and some who tried multiple times were given a delay for attempting to make “a lot of purchases in the last few hours.”
Others are seeing messages that their Steam accounts have been created too recently to reserve a Steam Deck, though many seeing this say they’ve had their Steam accounts for years. This error is related to the efforts Valve made to prevent people from reserving multiple Steam Decks and then reselling them, as we’ve seen happen with GPUs, PS5s, and other new hardware.
(Image credit: Valve)
Some, however, including a few of us here at PC Gamer, managed to reserve a Steam Deck about thirty minutes after the reservations went live.
The $5 deposit will go toward the cost of the Steam Deck if you do decide to order one, though it’ll be refunded if you change your mind and decide to cancel.
“When inventory is available, customers will be notified in the order reservations were made to make their purchase,” says Valve.
Steam Deck will start shipping in December to the US, UK, Canada and the European Union. For other regions, units won’t ship until 2022.
Price
(Image credit: Valve)
How much does the Steam Deck cost?
The price of the Steam Deck depends on which version you want, and there are three different versions based on storage size. The Steam Deck costs:
$399 for the 64GB version
$529 for the 256GB version
$649 for the 512GB version
The more expensive versions of the Steam Deck feature faster NVMe SSD storage, while the cheaper is listed with a 64GB eMMC (embedded multi-media card) storage solution. All three versions will let you increase storage space with a MicroSD card, at least.
If you plan to upgrade the storage, you’ll likely want to spend a bit more cash on a faster MicroSD card for quicker loading times. We’re not sure how expansion storage will work on the device just yet, but some MicroSD cards are going to feel extremely slow next to a super-fast SSD.
Specs
(Image credit: Valve)
What are the Steam Deck specs?
The Steam Deck specifications were revealed by Valve alongside the console itself, which means we know all about what lies beneath the console’s 7-inch screen.
The most important thing to note for PC gamers is that the Steam Deck runs on an AMD APU, and one we’re yet to see elsewhere. This chip is built around two key AMD architectures: Zen 2 and RDNA 2.
The Zen 2 architecture is the same one found within AMD Ryzen 3000 processors, and within the Steam Deck reside four Zen 2 cores, capable of eight threads, ready and waiting for your portable gaming needs.
The RDNA 2 architecture is behind the handheld PC’s graphical grunt. The Steam Deck comes with 8 Compute Units (CUs) for a total of 512 cores. That’s not a massive amount—the Xbox Series S comes with 20 RDNA 2 CUs—but it appears enough to get by at 720p without too much hassle.
Steam Deck specs Steam Deck CPU AMD Zen 2 Core count 4-core/8-thread CPU clock speed 2.4–3.5GHz GPU AMD RDNA 2 GPU Compute Units 8 GPU clock speed 1–1.6GHz RAM 16GB LPDDR5 @ 5,500MT/s Storage 64GB eMMC / 256GB NVMe SSD / 512GB NVMe SSD Display 7-inch LCD touchscreen Resolution 1280 x 800 Refresh rate 60Hz Audio Stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack, dual mics, USB Type-C/Bluetooth Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 support Battery 40Whr Size 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.8-inch (298 x 117 x 49mm) Weight Approximately 1.47 lbs (669 grams) Price $399 (64GB) / $529 (256GB) / $649 (512GB)
As mentioned before, there are three different storage configurations for the Steam Deck: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
Ideally, we’d all pick up the 512GB model. Games are big and anything smaller than that is going to feel a tight squeeze. It’s also kitted out with a speedy NVMe SSD, which allows for bandwidth upwards of 3,000MB/s. That really depends on Valve’s choice of SSD, however. Speeds vary quite a lot between drives.
The 256GB model is similarly quick, and would be a suitable pick for those willing to put up with slightly less storage space.
As for the 64GB model, we’re not quite as convinced. It’s built using an eMMC drive, which won’t match an NVMe SSD in terms of speed, but most of all its slim capacity is almost unimaginable for a gaming PC. Perhaps as an indie machine, but then you might be better off buying a Nintendo Switch.
All three offer MicroSD for further expansion, and we suspect the faster the MicroSD, the better for optimal game load times.
Valve’s decided upon a 1280 x 800 display through which you’ll enjoy your games on-the-go. A 60Hz LCD panel with 400-nits brightness, there’s not a great deal to write home about in regards to the Steam Deck’s touchscreen. However, seeing as it’s only 7-inches big, its shortcomings may not be as immediately noticeable as one of the best gaming monitors.
FAQ
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So the Stream Deck is bigger than a Switch, then? A bit, yes. For comparison, the Nintendo Switch (standard version) is 9.4" x 4" x .55" and weighs just under a pound. So the Steam Deck is a couple inches wider, half an inch taller taller, considerably thicker and a bit heavier than the Switch.
Anything I should be concerned about? Well, yeah. Battery life doesn’t sound especially stellar, with Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais telling IGN: “It’s about 2-8 hours, depending on what you’re doing. You can play Portal 2 for four hours on this thing. If you limit it to 30 fps, you’re going to be playing for 5-6 hours.” That’s not a heck of a long time for gaming without the device needing to be plugged in or recharged, and more demanding games will take a bigger toll on the battery than 2011’s Portal 2. That could be a real issue if you want to take your Deck with you while traveling or if you’re away from an electrical outlet for a while.
Does the Stream Deck come with a dock, like the Nintendo Switch? There is a dock, but it’s sold separately. Like the Switch, there’s a dock for the Steam Deck that will allow you to connect it to your TV or a monitor. The USB-C dock will provide DisplayPort and HDMI output, an Ethernet adapter, and three USB inputs. The dock doesn’t come with the Steam Deck, though. Valve hasn’t yet revealed how much the dock will cost or when it’ll be available to order.
Valve’s Steam Deck handheld PC starts at $399 and lands in December
The rumors about Valve making a version of the Nintendo Switch for handheld Steam gaming are true. The company has revealed the Steam Deck, which will arrive in December in the US, Canada, the European Union and the UK, with availability expanding to more regions later. The system starts at $399.
Although the hardware isn’t final, according to IGN, the device currently looks like a mashup of a Switch, a Sega Game Gear and the Steam Controller. It has a seven-inch touchscreen, with a resolution of 1,280 x 800 at a 16:10 aspect ratio, 400 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate.
Valve
There are dual thumbsticks, two 32.5mm square trackpads, an analog directional pad, four main face buttons, triggers and a quartet of grip buttons, as well as gyro controls. The Steam Deck also has a headphone jack, stereo speakers, dual microphones and haptic feedback. It weighs around 669 grams and it’s just under a foot wide.
Valve teamed up with AMD on the hardware. The Steam Deck’s custom chipset features a 2.4-3.5GHz processor and a 1.0 to 1.6GHz GPU with eight RDNA 2 compute units. Valve claims it’s a “Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse” that’s capable of running the latest major games “in a very efficient power envelope.”
The handheld PC comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512GB of NVMe internal storage, which you can expand with a microSD card. Valve says the 40-watt-hour battery will power the device for between two and eight hours on a single charge. The battery life will depend on how resource intensive the games you play are. The Switch, meanwhile, runs for up to nine hours.
Valve
Steam Deck runs on a new version of SteamOS that’s designed for handheld use. Valve says it uses Proton, a compatibility layer that lets games run without developers having do any porting work. You’ll have access to your full library of games. You can expect to have access to many Steam features, including chat, remote play (so you can play games from your PC just about anywhere), cloud saves and, of course, the Steam storefront.
The device has a built-in quick suspend and resume feature. Pressing the power button will suspend your game and send the Steam Deck into sleep mode. You’ll be able to continue where you left off when you hit the power button again.
Steam Deck will support a variety of Bluetooth and USB-C peripherals. You can plug in a powered USB-C hub and use multiple devices at once. You can connect the system to an external display and play games at up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.
Introducing Steam Deck: powerful, portable PC gaming starting at $399. Designed by Valve, powered by Steam. Shipping December 2021.
Learn more at https://t.co/ZOTx3KUCVK and reserve yours tomorrow. #SteamDeck pic.twitter.com/jcgbaKfT9c — Steam (@Steam) July 15, 2021
Valve is also making an official dock with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and Ethernet ports, as well as one USB 3.1 connection and two USB 2.0 sockets. You’ll be able to use the Steam Deck as an actual PC, if you like. In fact, you’ll even be able to install some other game stores.
The Steam Deck could be compelling for those who’ve been yearning to play all kinds of PC titles while they’re on the move or even relaxing on a couch. However, the name is very similar to Elgato’s Stream Deck, so it remains to be seen whether that part of the system will stick. Notably, the device costs just $50 more than the upcoming OLED version of the Switch and the same as an all-digital PlayStation 5.
The base $399 Steam Deck comes with 64GB of eMMC internal storage and a carrying case. For $529, you can upgrade the storage to a 256GB NVMe SSD. The 512GB model costs $649 and comes with “premium anti-glare etched glass.” The dock will be sold separately.
Reservations for the Steam Deck open on July 16th at 1PM ET on the Steam store. You’ll need to pay a deposit, but that goes toward the price of the system.
直播神器二代目 Stream Deck MK.2
Elgato 今日宣布推出自訂按鈕平台產品 Stream Deck 第二代 Stream Deck Mk.2 。新一代 Stream Deck 除了有可以替換的面板外，軟件也作出升級，推出 Stream Deck Store ，為用戶提供一站式平台下載按鈕插件、按鈕圖示、音樂和音效。
Stream Deck MK.2 有 15 個 LCD 彩屏按鈕，繼承了上一代功能，針對 OBS 、 Twitch 、 Twitter 、 XSplit 、 Elgato 4K Capture Utility 等軟件，讓用戶可以輕易將一個或多個動作設定到一個按鈕上，按一下就能自動完成一系列工作。對於直播主來說，按一下鍵就能轉換場景、播放音效音樂等，非常方便，所以很得直播主愛戴。
而 Stream Deck MK.2 就加入自訂面板設計，讓用戶可以按自己風格設計面板，又或從官方商店選購 7 款預製面板。
與此同時， Elgato 也同時為 Stream Deck 軟件進行升級， Stream Deck 5.0 軟件加入 Stream Deck Store ，用戶可以輕易找到合用的插件即使下載使用，插件種類很多，除了直播和剪輯影片之外，還有提升生產力的軟件，例如整合 Visual Studio 開發工具、燈光控制以至遊戲捷徑鍵，甚至追踪加密貨幣價格都用得到。
Stream Deck MK.2 現已在官方網站發售，售價為 $149.99 美元（約港幣 $1,165 ）。不過香港用戶就要等代理公布到港日期。
除了 Stream Deck Mk.2 之外， Elgato 還同時公布專為直播主設計的 Facecam 、 Wave XLR 咪高風控制及混音控制台和新款咪高風臂。